ISLAMABAD: The defence ministers of Pakistan and Russia met in Islamabad on Thursday to sign an agreement on military cooperation.
The agreement will pave way for exchange of information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, accompanied by a 41 member high-level delegation, is visiting Islamabad on the invitation of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The talks between the two ministers focused at strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries and stressed the need for continuation of momentum gained during the Moscow conference.
During the meeting, Asif appreciated Russia's overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan.
He added that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia will help in building stability and prosperity in the region, and that the signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two countries is a milestone.
“Both sides will translate this relationship in tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations,” he said.
While the Russian Defence Minister appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistan Army in fighting the war against terrorism.
“The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now,” Shoigu said.
Pakistan seeks better trade ties with Russia
Later in the day, Shoigu also held in-depth talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Radio Pakistan reported.
The premier said that Pakistan wants to promote multi-dimensional relations with Russia.
Nawaz said Pakistan was keen to enhance bilateral trade ties with Russia, adding that Russian companies can take advantage of investment opportunities in infrastructure and energy sectors in Pakistan.
The premier sought Russian cooperation in Pakistan getting full fledged membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The Russian defence minister’s visit comes at a critical juncture when US-led Nato forces are drawing down from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Apart from promoting bilateral defence relations, the visit will enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability in the region.
Earlier today, Foriegn Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam during her weekly press briefing said, “Our ties with Moscow are moving in an upward trajectory. Islamabad seeks Moscow’s cooperation for social and economic development."
COMMENTS (12)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Best way to finish off your enemies is to befriend them tetemporarily. Pakistan should make best use of friendship with Russia to finish off India. Later we can help our jihadist brother in Afghanistan & central asia to invade/occupy Russia. Inshahallah we shall extract revenge from Russians for what they did in Afghanistan.
@Musafir: Excuse me! You are second guessing the government and have no idea about diplomacy.
@Musafir: Confused are you ??? Its so simple; the golden words spoken as: "The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now" That's why now there is push by US to sell stuff which may not be needed, and then there is Russia who wants to do business with Pakistan now; Same Russia, once Soviet Union USSR, anti Pakistan and fought from 1979 to 1989 with Pakistan and its Mujahideens, lost war, broken into pieces, but NOW, ready to do Business with Pakistan... This is real world.
And Just so you guys know "ALL THE WORLD" also said that IRAQ has WMDs, So you are no longer obligated to care about what "ALL OF THE WORLD" thinks
@Cautious Russia Has no obligation of doing anything for Pakistan and you shouldn't forget the horrible atrocity we committed against the Soviet Union, I love my country very much but i can not help but feel embarrassed by the fact that we helped upset the world order, We were used as a pawn in America's Evil scheme against Soviet Union and I am extremely ashamed of that
@Xenia I Have nothing but utmost respect for Mr Putin,Just because all the world says something is bad it doesn't actually make it bad, Only crime that Mr Putin has committed is that he stood up to the Western Oppression & Took a Stand if that makes him Evil than So Be it
@xenia: Absolutely agreed. Indians can't fathom this fact. India has gotten closer to the West and taking all its cues for it because the West wants to use India against China. So of course Russia is getting close to Pakistan.
Wise Move. People who are criticising Pakistani diplomatic initiative are either naive or Indian Trolls market are naive. Due to the able leadership of Vladimir Putin We are no lore living in unipolar world.
I would argue that this is another example where chest thumping has prevailed over common sense. Last time I looked the countries which are imposing sanctions on Russia represent over 80% of the high margin export sales of Pakistan - making them the economic backbone of Pakistan. Exactly what has Russia done for Pakistan lately - nothing other than suggest that they might buy mango's.
While many appreciate that PMLN has a knack for performing poorly this one was a bit more obvious. The world is shunning Russia, rightly or wrongly, and we are in no need of defense pacts. We need hospitals in Punjab for instance where 12 babies have died in the last 2 days alone.
Nice move by the government
It is funny that a civilian Defense Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Asif is signing agreements with a Russian Military General in full uniform, albeit, he is the Defense Minister of Russia, all the while the Real General of Pakistan and the Real Power Broker of Pakistan is in Washington DC seeking US arms or US Dollars or both.