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Pakistan, Russia sign agreement to strengthen military cooperation
* Nawaz says Islamabad is keen to enhance multi-dimensional relations with Moscow * Invites Russian companies to invest in Pakistan in energy sector
OnlineISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Thursday signed a military cooperation agreement, which will pave the way for exchange of views and information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security.
Talking to Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu, who met him here, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan is keen to enhance its multi-dimensional relations with Moscow, including in defence. He said that it is heartening to see that relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation have grown in the past few years. He stressed upon the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries, which currently stands at $542 million and does not correspond to their trade potential. He invited Russian companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly in the energy sector, and benefit from the business-friendly policies of the government.
Prime Minister Nawaz lauded Russia’s support to Pakistan for full membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and said that Islamabad is ready to further enhance cooperation with other countries of the region, through this forum to counter the dual challenges of terrorism and drug trafficking. The defence ministers of Pakistan and Russian Federation held talks in Rawalpindi that focused on strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides stressed the need for continuation of momentum gained during Moscow conference and expressed satisfaction over the convergence of views on most of international and cross-regional issues. During the meeting, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif appreciated Russia’s overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. He said that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia will help promote regional stability and prosperity. The Russian defence minister, meanwhile, appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistani armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism.
He said the world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now. The two sides signed a military cooperation agreement, which will pave the way for exchange of views and information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security. Russian Defence Minister Shoigu held talks with Khawaja Asif, Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov, who accompanies Shoigu on the current visit, said on Thursday. “The two defence ministers have to sign an agreement on military cooperation,” the spokesman said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk