Pakistan, Russia concerned over ISIS presence in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan Thursday met his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of Moscow Security Conference currently taking place in the Russian capital.

Both the dignitaries noted the increasing convergence of views between Pakistan and Russia on international issues, particularly on sustainable peace in Afghanistan, establishment of energy corridors, and combating violent extremism and drug trafficking, a message received here from Moscow said.

They reviewed the positive developments since the unprecedented 2014 Pak-Russia Agreement on Military Cooperation and agreed to extend mutual cooperation further in training of armed forces personnel, in naval field, and in conduct of a wider range of joint military exercises.

They expressed a shared concern about presence of ISIS in Afghanistan, increased drug cultivation and use of drug money for terror financing.

The two defence ministers decided to enhance the level of delegations to discuss Pakistan-Russia defence matters comprehensively and regularly.