https://arab.news/v8a82
- Pakistan and Russia have worked to strengthen their defense and security relations in recent years
- Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Istrakov lauds the professionalism of Pakistani armed forces
ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Yuryevich Istrakov held a meeting with Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Rawalpindi on Friday, during which both military commanders reviewed bilateral defense cooperation and expressed satisfaction with its trajectory.
Pakistan and Russia have worked to strengthen their defense and security relations in recent years, marking a shift from their historically strained ties during the Cold War period. The two sides conducted a joint military exercise in 2021, a few years after Pakistan received four Mi-35 attack helicopters from Russia in 2017.
Earlier this year, General Mirza also visited the Russian Federation to engage with the top military leadership in Moscow.
“During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on positive trajectory of bilateral defense cooperation and discussed the evolving security situation in the region with a view to promote regional peace and stability,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement while sharing details of the meeting.
“The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism,” it added.
In addition to defense ties, Pakistan and Russia have expanded their collaboration in economic and energy sectors.
This includes discussions on gas pipelines, crude oil supplies and broader trade relations, underlined by Moscow’s recent support for Pakistan’s inclusion in an economic bloc consisting of five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.