DUSHANBE: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has offered Pakistan’s full cooperation in the capacity building of Tajikistan’s forces to counter terrorism.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Raheel called on Tajik President Emomali Rahmon after his arrival in the country on Tuesday on a day-long visit. The two leaders discussed regional situation with particular reference to common challenges of fighting terrorism and reconciliation in Afghanistan, which shares a border with both the countries. While appreciating Pakistan’s role in facilitating the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Tajik president applauded army’s phenomenal achievements in Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Rahmon said the operation being conducted by Pakistani forces against terrorists was a role model for rest of the world. The Tajik president added that General Raheel’s visit will further cement bilateral relationship and provide an impetus to defence cooperation between the two countries. The army chief also held meetings with Tajik defence minister and chief of general staff, and visited the Military Institute and Training Centre of Tajikistan. Upon arrival at Tajik army headquarters, General Raheel was presented a guard of honour by Tajik forces.
Pakistan and Tajikistan had last year agreed to stronger cooperation in energy, defence and trade and vowed to improve connectivity to further deepen their bilateral ties. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Emomali Rahmon witnessed signing of seven agreements dealing with cooperation in energy, industrial sectors, extradition, establishment of Joint Business Council, collaboration in science and technology and geology.
