Pakistan, Russia vow to boost security collaboration

RAWALPINDI: Colonel General Alexander V Fomin, deputy minister of defence of the Russian Federation, met General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters (GHQ) here on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed the regional security environment and matters of mutual interest, including the enhancement of bilateral defence and security cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The COAS reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening traditional defence ties with Russia, while both sides affirmed their dedication to bolstering collaboration in various security and defence domains.

Fomin commended the Pakistan Army achievements in combating terrorism and highlighted the importance of a unified and cooperative approach among the global community to counter extremism.

Meanwhile, Colonel General Alexander V Fomin separately called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, here on Tuesday.

During the meeting with the naval chief at the Naval Headquarters, professional matters of mutual interest, including bilateral collaboration and regional maritime security were discussed.

The naval chief said Pakistan greatly valued its relations with the Russian Federation and desired to forge a long-term, multi-dimensional partnership with Russia. Various avenues including bilateral training, exchange of visits and conduct of bilateral naval exercises between the two navies were focused.

The visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged the Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments to collaborative maritime security. Both leaders agreed to further strengthen and diversify the scope of existing bilateral defence relationship, particularly in maritime domain and naval technologies.

The meeting at the Air Headquarters remained focused on bolstering military cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two sides while exploring new avenues to fortify existing ties through joint military exercises and technical support for PAF equipment. The air chief emphasized strengthening military ties with Russia, focusing on collaborative training programs, joint military drills and industrial collaboration.

Fomin commended recent impressive advancements in the Pakistan Air Force under the current leadership. He reiterated his resolve to play a role in further consolidating the existing collaborative defence partnership with Pakistan through military-to-military cooperation and technical support for PAF equipment.

Meanwhile, the 5th Pak-Russia Joint Military Consultative Committee (JMCC) meeting was held at the Ministry of Defence here. Secretary Defence Lt Gen Muhammad Ali led the Pakistan side whereas Colonel General Alexander V Fomin, deputy minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, led the Russian side. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including the whole spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation were discussed. Both sides showed satisfaction on various areas of common interest in strategic and defence matters. Issues relating to training and exchange of visits were also discussed.

The delegation leaders resolved to work together for enhanced cooperation in defence and security-related fields, a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said.