RAWALPINDI : Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, Defence Minister of Republic of Tajikistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by ISPR, during the meeting matters of mutual interests, overall regional situation including recent developments in Afghanistan especially situation on Tajik-Afghan border and measures to further enhance bilateral defence collaboration were discussed.

COAS said that Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Tajikistan, which are based on shared faith, culture and convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability. COAS also appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts towards regional connectivity and its inclination to achieve the same through Pakistan.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s positive role for regional peace and stability, especially Afghan Peace Process and pledged to keep working for better relations between two brotherly countries.

Later on Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, Defence Minister of Tajikistan, who is on official visit to Pakistan, called on General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, both sides deliberated upon various areas of interest, bilateral cooperation including security, counter-terrorism and prevailing regional environment particularly with reference to Afghanistan. The dignitaries dilated upon measures to enhance the level and scope of military engagements between both countries and reaffirmed to continue to forge deeper ties.

Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned out tri-services contingent presented “Guard of Honour” to the visiting dignitary.