Pakistan, Russia agree to enhance security ties

Islamabad, Apr 12: Pakistan and Russia today agreed to strengthen ties in various fields, particularly economy, trade and security.

The agreement came after wideranging talks between visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz hours after his arrival here on a three-day official visit.

This is the first-ever visit by a Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan. Earlier, Mr Alexei Kosygin had visited Pakistan in May 1969 as Foreign Minister of the collapsed Soviet Union.

Both the leaders held half an hour one-on-one meeting followed by delegation level talks and signing of three agreements of cooperation.

''Pakistan supports Russia's efforts to create a balance of forces in the world,'' Russian news agency, Itar-Tass quoted Prime Minister Aziz as telling Mr Fradkov.

He said this stance of Moscow makes it possible to solve conflict situations and ensure world progress.

''Pakistan supports creation of a multi-polar world, which allows to solve many problems in the world, including security problems,'' Mr Aziz said.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional and international issues of common concern including Afghanistan, Iraq and West Asia and agreed to enhance economic, social and political ties between the two countries.

The volume of bilateral trade presently stands at 520 million dollars with the balance heavily tilting in Russia's favour.

Prime Minister Aziz briefed his Russian counterpart on the ongoing peace process with India, which is aimed at resolving all outstanding problems between the two neighbours.

Both the leaders stressed the need for increasing Pak-Russia ties in various fields as there are vast opportunities to enhance trade and economic ties and Pakistan could provide trade and energy corridor to Central, South and South-East Asia.

Later, Pakistan and Russia signed three MOUs and agreements to enhance their ties in various sectors.

Mr Aziz and Mr Fradkov witnessed the signing ceremony.

Under an MOU, Russia will cooperate with Pakistan Railways for construction of new railway tracks, supply of sleepers and signalling system, upgradation of Mughalpura and Bridge workshop and setting up of Metro Railways in major cities of Pakistan.

Under another MOU both the countries will work towards promoting cultural, educational and scientific changes.

Both the sides also signed agreement for cooperation in combating human trafficking and abuse of narcotics, drugs and psychotropic substances.

Mr Fradkov's itinerary in Islamabad includes meetings with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and top Pakistani industrialists and businessmen.

UNI