Pakistan, Russia to work for regional peace, stability

ISLAMABAD: In another high-level meeting between Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday, both sides recognised “the need for joint efforts for peace, security and stability in the region.”

Pakistan specifically expressed satisfaction with increasing military and technical cooperation between the two governments.

Trade, energy, defence, education are also areas where there is compatibility between the two capitals, which has its own importance widening bilateral relations being so important as relations should not be driven by “security” concerns like Afghanistan alone.

These views came forward when Deputy Secretary National Security Council of the Russia Federation Mikhail Popov called on Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, which sees Popov in the capital to hold consultations with various senior officials here.

Pakistan feels that these bilateral talks between the high-level security officials of Pakistan and Russia provide a useful platform for engagement on a wide range of issues. “The two sides discussed defence and security relations and expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation in this context. The foreign secretary elaborated on Pakistan’s improved security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts,” spokesman at the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Popov took advantage of this meeting with the foreign secretary by conveying Moscow’s deep appreciation and acknowledged Pakistan's contribution and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. “The talks were marked by convergence of views between the two sides on various global and regional issues of mutual interest”, added the spokesman.

Earlier this year, it was another senior official, Special Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Tasnim Aslam, who on a visit to Moscow met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and Ambassador Zamir Kabulov, Special Representative of the Russian President on Afghanistan, in extensive meetings.

However, Ms Aslam’s meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov did not bear the desired results where despite discussion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moscow refrained from supporting Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif also visited Moscow where the complete gambit of their geopolitical and strategic needs came under discussion. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, had stressed that Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities will usher in a new phase of cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries.