Russia to cooperate with Pakistan in defence, security fields

Islamabad, Nov 16 (UNI) Pakistan and Russia today decided to activate their joint governmental commission and further reinforce cooperation in the fields of defence and security.

''We are ready to discuss possibility of cooperation with Pakistan in the defence field,'' Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference here today after talks with his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri.

The two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations and discussed enhancement in cooperation in a number of areas including defence.

However, Lavrov linked cooperation with Pakistan in defence with Russia's international commitments and the domestic legislation process.

Pakistan has been aspiring to buy Russian military equipment including Sukhoi jets since long in order to reduce dependence on the United States with whom it has a chequered history in the field of defence.

These relations have suffered several ups and downs in the past.

In October 1990 Washington slapped military sanctions on Islamabad, which created serious difficulties for Pakistani armed forces especially the Air Force, leaving it high and dry due to non-availability of F-16s and spares for aircraft of its existing fleet.

The Russian foreign minister hailed Pakistan's role in the ongoing war against terror and said his country was fully satisfied with Islamabad's sincere efforts in curbing activities of militants and terrorists.

He said that the two countries were also laying foundation of a strategic partnership, adding that this objective can be achieved by implementing various projects already agreed by Islamabad and Moscow.

On the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India, Lavrov said his country had noted progress in the process, adding that Moscow will support every effort that is aimed to carry forward the peace talks.

Foreign minister Kasuri, who was also present on the occasion, said the two countries had agreed to activate their joint governmental commission. He said that the commission should meet regularly to review the ongoing projects/issues and explore new avenues of cooperation.

''We consider Russia as an engine for increased economic growth and a factor of peace and stability in the SCO region,'' he said and added it was satisfying to see the steady growth in the multi-dimensional relationship between the two countries.

Kasuri said that the bilateral trade had more than doubled last year to over 500 million dollars, adding that exchange of trade delegations by Russia and Pakistan also helped them identify specific areas of cooperation.

UNI XC SY RAI2047