Counter-terrorism: Moscow eyes accord on intelligence-sharing

Aims to ease fears that the US pullout from Afghanistan may help militants destabilise Central Asian States.


Qaiser Butt February 26, 2011

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia are close to signing an accord of mutual cooperation to counter terrorism, a reliable source told The Express Tribune.

Officials of the two countries are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on March 2 at the arrival of a Russian delegation for a two-day visit to decide the modalities of the accord.

The agreement, however, is expected to be signed on May 12 during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Moscow on the invitation of the Russian president, the source said.

The modalities of intelligence sharing between the two countries will be discussed in talks between experts and officials of the two countries next month.

Russia is keen on sharing intelligence with regard to the Taliban and al Qaeda in the tribal areas of Pakistan, as well as the presence of foreign militants in Fata and other parts of the country.

According to the source, the presence of hundreds of al Qaeda-linked Uzbek, Tajik and Chechen militants in Fata and Afghanistan are a source of serious concern for the Russian federation due to the increasing militant activities by al Qaeda-aligned militants hailing from Central Asian Republics in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan and Chechnya.

Russia is also said to be interested in the exchange of intelligence on foreign militants from China, Europe and other Muslim countries but mainly the militants from Arab countries.

Militants mainly Uzbek, Tajik and Chechen are active in Fata and Afghan provinces bordering Central Asian States.

As the date for the US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan draws near, Russia’s worries increasingly escalate.

Moscow fears that with the US and Nato pullout from Afghanistan, which is aimed at July this year, militants may find opportunity to destabilise Central Asian States, a security expert told The Express Tribune.

In this regard, Russia considered it necessary to forge an alliance with Pakistan against terrorism, the source added.

According to the source, Islamabad has expressed its willingness in forging an alliance with Moscow in its war against terrorism.

Pakistan has shown interest in the procurement of Mi-35 helicopters from Russia which are considered most essential for its war against terrorism.

Islamabad has already made use of Russian-made Mi-17s that were provided by the US for the military offensive in the tribal areas in 2009.

The two countries will also sign other agreements of mutual cooperation in fields of Oil & Gas development, exchange of prisoners, as well as on economic cooperation.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

Angry Boy | 13 years ago | Reply @ Saamia ...... There is more to come...... Next will be Iran, then Iraq..... We are heading for a tasty Khichdi with some spice of delusions of grandeur.....Once America has left, chances are that we will also strengthen ties with Afghanistan even more.......With this , just like before, there will be an influx of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.....This will add some some sweetness to our Khidchi.....And what you will get is a Sweet And Sour Khichdi which will be tasted by the poor downtrodden people of Pakistan......
Saamia | 13 years ago | Reply Oh, Please! We are not going to make deals with any more countries now. Didn't we learn our lesson signing the same with America. What did we get? Drone attacks, CIA agents, mercenaries! Do your own job! Protect your own country! Don't depend on others to do your job!
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