Boosting defence ties: Pakistan, Russia sign landmark cooperation pact
Agreement signed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Russian counterpart during the latter’s visit to Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Russia on Thursday signed an agreement to increase defence and military cooperation, the latest sign of gradual improvement in ties between the former Cold War adversaries.
The pact, whose specific details were not publicly shared, was signed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu, an official statement issued by the defence ministry said.
This was first visit by any Russian defence minister to Pakistan and was part of efforts to open a ‘new chapter’ in relationship often marred by deep suspicion and mistrust. A senior military official told The Express Tribune that the visit was a ‘milestone in burying the bitter past’ between Pakistan and Russia.
Talking to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity, the official disclosed that the defence agreement covered wide range of subjects including Pakistan’s plans to acquire Mi-35 gunship helicopters and other military equipment from Russia.
“This visit is also important in the context of the post-2014 scenario,” added another official, who said Russia was keen to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the wake of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
The official statement said the Russian defence minister’s visit, which comes at a ‘very critical juncture’, will, apart from promoting bilateral defence relations, enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability to the region.
Gen Shoygu was accompanied by a 41-member high level delegation and was received by Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak and Secretary Defence Production Lt-Gen (retd) Tanvir Tahir.
According to the defence ministry, both Pakistan and Russia stressed on continuing the momentum gained during the Moscow Conference and expressed satisfaction over the convergence of views on most international and trans-regional issues.
Khawaja Asif during the meeting appreciated Russia’s overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. He added that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia would help in building stability and prosperity in the region.
Asif called the signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two countries a milestone. “Both sides will translate this relationship into tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations,” he said.
Both sides expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for the exchange of views and information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security.
The Russian defence minister appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistan’s armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism. He further appreciated the defence production side stating that IDEAS itself signifies the leap Pakistan had taken in manufacturing defence equipment. “The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now.”
Russian dignitary meets PM
During his stay, the visiting dignitary also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif besides holding in-depth delegation level talks with Pakistani authorities.
Talking to him the prime minister said it was heartening to see that relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation have grown over the past few years. He added that Pakistan is keen to enhance its multi-dimensional relations with Moscow, including defence.
Premier Nawaz stressed upon the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries which currently stands at $542 million and does not correspond to their trade potential.
He appreciated Russia’s support to Pakistan in its quest to become full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2014.
Pakistan and Russia on Thursday signed an agreement to increase defence and military cooperation, the latest sign of gradual improvement in ties between the former Cold War adversaries.
The pact, whose specific details were not publicly shared, was signed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu, an official statement issued by the defence ministry said.
This was first visit by any Russian defence minister to Pakistan and was part of efforts to open a ‘new chapter’ in relationship often marred by deep suspicion and mistrust. A senior military official told The Express Tribune that the visit was a ‘milestone in burying the bitter past’ between Pakistan and Russia.
Talking to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity, the official disclosed that the defence agreement covered wide range of subjects including Pakistan’s plans to acquire Mi-35 gunship helicopters and other military equipment from Russia.
“This visit is also important in the context of the post-2014 scenario,” added another official, who said Russia was keen to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the wake of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
The official statement said the Russian defence minister’s visit, which comes at a ‘very critical juncture’, will, apart from promoting bilateral defence relations, enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability to the region.
Gen Shoygu was accompanied by a 41-member high level delegation and was received by Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak and Secretary Defence Production Lt-Gen (retd) Tanvir Tahir.
According to the defence ministry, both Pakistan and Russia stressed on continuing the momentum gained during the Moscow Conference and expressed satisfaction over the convergence of views on most international and trans-regional issues.
Khawaja Asif during the meeting appreciated Russia’s overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. He added that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia would help in building stability and prosperity in the region.
Asif called the signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two countries a milestone. “Both sides will translate this relationship into tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations,” he said.
Both sides expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for the exchange of views and information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security.
The Russian defence minister appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistan’s armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism. He further appreciated the defence production side stating that IDEAS itself signifies the leap Pakistan had taken in manufacturing defence equipment. “The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now.”
Russian dignitary meets PM
During his stay, the visiting dignitary also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif besides holding in-depth delegation level talks with Pakistani authorities.
Talking to him the prime minister said it was heartening to see that relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation have grown over the past few years. He added that Pakistan is keen to enhance its multi-dimensional relations with Moscow, including defence.
Premier Nawaz stressed upon the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries which currently stands at $542 million and does not correspond to their trade potential.
He appreciated Russia’s support to Pakistan in its quest to become full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2014.