Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to fight terrorism and Daesh activities, which officials termed “a threat to peace in the entire region.”
The understanding was reached following a visit by Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif to Moscow, where he held meetings with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
Pakistan and Russia also agreed to establish a military cooperation commission to explore further collaboration as the two ministers expressed alarm over growing footprint of the extremist Daesh group in Afghanistan.
Asif shared Lavrov’s concerns on “unchecked proliferation of Daesh” in Afghanistan.
The foreign minister said “Pakistan is willing to partner with Russia to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond”, while Lavrov expressed Moscow’s readiness to strengthen Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities.
On the sidelines, a high level Pakistani delegation also met with Russia’s envoy on Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov and his team.
The two sides discussed overall regional situation and agreed to work closely together on all Afghanistan-related processes for a regional solution of the Afghan conflict based on “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace” procedure.
“Afghanistan is in a painful situation. We share concerns relating to threats posed by the prevailing situation of terrorism, exponential increase in drug production, use of drug money for terrorism financing, and increasing presence of Daesh [IS] to the security of regional countries” maintained Asif.
Asif and Lavrov also discussed Middle East situation and agreed to cooperate on issues of mutual concern.
The Russian Foreign Minister deeply appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He conveyed Russia’s continued support for enhancing Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
In a press statement issued by the foreign ministry, Pakistan said: “The two Ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral engagement and diversifying cooperation in various fields. and agreed to further intensify efforts to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, defence, education, science and technology and people to people contacts.”
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Tasnim Aslam, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation Qazi M. Khalilullah, Additional Secretary (Europe) Zaheer Janjua, Special Representative of the Russian President on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov and Spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova.
Defence Analyst Retired Lt. General Gulam Mustafa termed the visit a diplomatic success. “While the US tilts towards India, it is a very good omen for Pakistan that Pakistan-Russia relations are gradually strengthening as Pakistan and Russia share common interests.”
Defence Analyst A. Z. Halali commented that “Pakistan and Russia has good understanding of regional and global issues and share common policy regarding terrorism. The meeting of two foreign ministers is a very good omen, which will create new avenues of cooperation between Russia and Pakistan.”
