DUSHANBE: Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon received Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa in Dushanbe in Qasri Millat (the Palace of the Nation) on Monday. According to an official press release, in the meeting they discussed issues related to the unstable situation in many countries of the world, especially in Muslim countries. It was noted that one of the main areas of cooperation of Tajikistan with all states, including Pakistan, was to promote and actively participate in ensuring and strengthening regional and international stability. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing level of cooperation between the armies, intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies of the two countries. The parties discussed the implementation of agreements covering cooperation in the fields of defense and security, as well as military and technical assistance of Pakistan to improve Tajikistan’s power to fight threats in the region. The meeting also discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in establishing political and military stability in Afghanistan. The interlocutors also touched upon issues of joint struggle against terrorism, extremism, protection of the state border and other issues of mutual interest. Pakistan and Tajikistan also reiterated the importance of dialogue, regional cooperation and support to Afghan-led and Afghan-owned initiatives. The COAS thanked the president for supporting Pakistan’s membership of the SCO and for hosting the QCCM initiative. President Rahmon offered his sincere wishes for people of Pakistan, appreciating the role Pakistan and Pakistan Army has played in fight against terrorism and peace. Published in Daily Times, August 29th 2017.