On November 12, Tajikistan’s Minister of Defense, Colonel-General Emomali Sobirzoda, arrived in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for an official visit, according to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) .

An official source within a MoD says the main goal of the trip is to expand bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.

During talks with General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistani Armed Forces, the parties reportedly discussed organizing joint military exercises, exchanging operational experience, and training military personnel.

Special emphasis was placed on strengthening friendly and strategic ties between Tajikistan and Pakistan in the context of ongoing regional and global instability.

Pakistani media reports say the parties discussed issues related to enhancing bilateral defense relations as well as reviewing the regional and global security environment. Both sides reportedly expressed a shared resolve to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly in counter-terrorism, training, and defense production.

According to Pakistan’s 24 News HD, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza emphasized that Pakistan and Tajikistan, as brotherly nations with shared historical, cultural, and geographical ties, are united in their efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The Tajik Defense Minister reportedly lauded Pakistan’s significant contributions to global peacekeeping missions and its steadfast efforts in combating terrorism. He also conveyed his government’s desire to further expand cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces, according to 24 News HD.

Earlier, the two countries conducted joint counterterrorism exercises titled “Friendship-2025” on the Fakhrobod training ground of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense in Khatlon province.

Around 100 Special Forces troops from both sides took part in the drills, including airborne and infantry units. The focus was on combat operations in mountainous terrain, improving physical endurance and psychological resilience, and enhancing coordination between special operations forces.

Service members demonstrated the use of modern weapons and ammunition in counterterrorism scenarios. At the conclusion of the exercises, distinguished soldiers were awarded medals, certificates of merit, and commemorative gifts.

The source within the Tajik Mod emphasized that conducting such joint drills is especially important amid the growing threats of international terrorism, extremism, and other modern security challenges.