RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Pakistan and Russia on Thursday signed a defence cooperation agreement that will help both the countries to strengthen bilateral relations and build mutual trust.
The agreement was signed by the federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
The Russian defence minister is in Pakistan on a day-long visit, aimed at discussing bilateral defence cooperation with the Pakistani leadership.
The two defence ministers also held a meeting and discussed ways and means to further strengthen defence cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the need for continuation of momentum gained during Moscow conference and expressed satisfaction over convergence of views on most of international and cross regional issues.
The Pakistani Defence minister appreciated Russia’s overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. He said that that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia will help promote regional stability and prosperity.
The Russian Defence Minister appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistani armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism.
Sergey Shoigu said that the world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now.
Later talking to media persons, the Defence Minister said that first ever visit by the Russian Defence Minister is taking place at very critical juncture.
The Defence minister said that apart from promoting bilateral defence relations, the Russian Defence minister’s visit will enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability in our region.
Khawaja Asif said that Russia is a very important country of the region and we look forward to strengthen bilateral relations in different fields.
The Russian deference minister said that said our next step will be signing of an memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation between Navy forces of two countries. He said that Russia wants peaceful solution of crisis in the region.
