Pakistan, Russia discuss enhanced military cooperation and joint exercises

Discussions centred on deepening military cooperation and fostering industrial partnerships between Pakistan-Russia

A high-level Russian delegation, led by Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr V. Fomin, met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Discussions centred on deepening military cooperation and fostering industrial partnerships between Pakistan and Russia, with a focus on joint military exercises, collaborative training, and technical support for Pakistan Air Force (PAF) equipment.

The Air Chief emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening military ties with Russia, highlighting potential areas of collaboration in joint training programs and expanded defence industry cooperation.

Colonel General Fomin commended recent advancements in PAF capabilities and pledged continued support to consolidate Pakistan and Russia’s existing defence partnership, ISPR noted.

This meeting, as reported by ISPR, represents a commitment from both nations to bolster their military alliance, with future plans likely to include expanded joint exercises and equipment upgrades.

Pakistan, Russia to boost trade through enhanced banking channels

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significant potential for cooperation between Russia and Pakistan across various fields during a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly, in Islamabad today.

He conveyed his best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin and extended an invitation for him to visit Pakistan soon.

The discussion centred on enhancing banking channels to promote trade and investment, as well as establishing a comprehensive roadmap for economic collaboration.

PM Shehbaz noted that recent visits by Russian leaders indicate a positive trend in strengthening bilateral relations.

He expressed confidence that the upcoming Pakistan-Russia Joint Commission meeting in December would present a crucial opportunity to expand cooperation.

In a separate meeting with Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Matviyenko stated that Russia is committed to increasing bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse areas, including trade, investment, and diplomacy.

She emphasized the importance of promoting diplomatic, economic, commercial, and parliamentary relations.

Matviyenko underscored Russia's high regard for its relationship with Pakistan, stating that enhancing parliamentary ties would facilitate trade and investment while fostering closer connections between the two peoples.

Gillani remarked that Matviyenko's visit would significantly boost bilateral ties and contribute to regional peace, development, and prosperity.

He also appreciated Russia's support for infrastructural development and advancements in Pakistan's oil and gas sectors.