Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia took yet another step forward to increase security and defence cooperation with high level discussions in Islamabad between the visiting Russian envoy and senior Pakistani officials.
Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council of the Russia Federation, Mikhail Popov, called on Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday and also held separate discussion with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt General (Retd) Naseer Khan Janjua.
Lauding Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, the Russian envoy said that Kremlin is committed to enhanced security, defence, intelligence as well as economic cooperation with Islamabad.
Janjua and Popov discussed defence, security relations and regional issues of mutual interest. Both officials expressed satisfaction on the current level of cooperation.
She welcomed the “increasing military and technical cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.” Janjua also briefed the envoy on Pakistan’s improved security situation in the country and current counter-terrorism efforts.
The visiting Russian delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and contributions in the fight against terrorism. Both sides recognised “the need for joint efforts for peace, security and stability in the region.”
The Russian delegation led by Popov — with SCRF Assistant Secretary A N Venediktov and T P Boykov — also called upon Lt General (Retd) Naseer Khan Janjua.
The NSA offered the Russian delegation a detailed presentation focusing on the global trends of power politics, regional security situation and the role of Pakistan against terrorism and in maintaining the regional strategic balance.
Naseer Khan Janjua stressed the importance of increasing collaboration among the regional countries and suggested that collective efforts were required to achieve regional peace and stability. The NSA Adviser also highlighted the connectivity potential of Pakistan and how the whole region and the world could gain from it.
Mikhail Popov appreciated the positive outlook of Islamabad and also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan against terrorism.
He reiterated the commitment of his government to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in all possible areas including military, defence, intelligence, security, energy and training.
Initiated this year, the talks between the high-level security officials of Pakistan and Russia provide a useful platform for engagement on wide range of issues.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif also visited Moscow where he discussed geopolitical and strategic issues with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.
