terrorists,” said Alexey.
He said Islamic State of Iraq and Syria had already penetrated into Afghanistan. Although they were not active, sooner or later they will resort to its activities. Afghans need to curb the illicit drug-traffic which was one of the source of financing terrorism. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he said was also a forum where its members could cooperate for promoting stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan and India will become full member of this organization in July this year, he said and hoped it would help in stepping up cooperation among its member to combat drug-trafficking and terrorism.
On recent inking of defence agreement with Pakistan, the ambassador said,’ military cooperation is becoming one of the important components’ of cooperation with Pakistan.
Regarding sale of MI-35 helicopters to Pakistan, he said Russia was ready to sell these machines to Pakistan and both countries were engaged in negotiations on the issue. He termed it quite a lengthy process of commercial negotiations. The details on quantity or the price per unit would be decided once negotiations were completed which he hoped would be soon.
“We strongly hope that Pakistani purchase of these machines would strengthen anti-terrorists potential of Pakistan. We are actively participating on many international efforts to combat terrorism,” said Alexey.
He said two Russian vessels visited commercial hub of the country Karachi in April and October last year. Russia and Pakistani Coast guards had been cooperating to prevent narcotics flow to Pakistan. Referring to cooperation on helping Pakistan overcome its crippling energy crisis, he said Moscow had shown interest in medium and small scale hydle projects during 3rd meeting of inter-governmental commission last month which could generate 1,770MW electricity.
Giving details the Russian envoy said Moscow had shown its interest to construct 300MW Naran power project and 1,320MW Tarbela Five and two units of Warsak dam on the river Kabul, with the capacity of 150MW. Both signed have already signed a Protocol for construction of these projects. Diamer-Bahshah dam on the river Indus in Gilgit-Baltistan was also on the agenda of talks between the two countries and Russian companies might be interested in it, he added.