Azerbaijan, Tajikistan seal defence cooperation deal

"The two countries' defence ministries have been cooperating since 1995, but now this cooperation acquired an official status," Tajik Defence Minister Shokhrat Khairullayev said.

"The agreement encompasses all areas of military cooperation. In the near future, we plan to ink some other documents on military cooperation," Azerbaijani Defence Minister Safar Abiyev said.

Under the document, Azerbaijan's military colleges will train specialists for Tajikistan's armed force, Itar-Tass reports.

Later on Thursday Shokhrat Khairullayev was received by President Aliyev.

Earlier, the two countries' defence ministries cooperated only within the framework of international programs and organizations, including NATO.

Tajikistan and Azerbaijan are participants in the NATO's Partnership For Peace program.