DUSHANBE, December 25, 2009, Asia-Plus –  On Thursday December 24, Tajik Defense Minister, Colonel-General Sherali Khayrulloyev, met with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in Islamabad, Pakistan.

According to Pakistani DAWNNEWS Media Group, Prime Minister Gilani said the government wished to open a new chapter of relationship with Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries by reinvigorating bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

He expressed satisfaction on the signing of the MoU on Military and Military Technical Cooperation during the Tajik defense minister’s visit.

The Tajik defense minister thanked the Prime Minister for converting the US$ 13 million loan to Tajikistan into grant.

Khayrulloyev also conveyed his government gratitude for Pakistan’s offer of enhanced gratis training slots for Tajik armed forces, and for sending Pakistani experts to develop Tajikistan''s military institutions.