ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to strengthen bilateral security and defence cooperation, with discussions focusing on regional stability, counterterrorism and closer coordination between their security institutions.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered matters of mutual interest and the regional security situation.
Both sides stressed the need to strengthen institutional links and improve coordination between their respective security agencies. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its longstanding relationship with Russia, particularly in security-related areas.
Kolokoltsev acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. He also appreciated the professionalism and sacrifices of Pakistani security forces in counterterrorism operations.
Earlier, Pakistan and Russia agreed to accelerate work on an extradition treaty and enhance cooperation against organised crime. The understanding emerged during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart in Islamabad.
The two countries also agreed to pursue a memorandum of understanding on preventing organised crime and exchanging information. Both sides emphasised the need for coordinated efforts against terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime and illegal migration.
According to the Interior Ministry, the two governments will also work towards the early implementation of a readmission agreement. They further agreed to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force and relevant Russian institutions.
The discussions also covered law enforcement training, with both sides agreeing to promote collaboration between the National Police Academy in Pakistan and the Russian Police Academy. Working groups from the two interior ministries are expected to visit each other to advance cooperation.
Naqvi said the proposed agreement on organised crime would mark an important step in bilateral relations. He also expressed interest in learning from Russia’s experience in tackling cybercrime and called for easier visa procedures to encourage tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
The minister highlighted opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in Russia, noting that around 1,300 Pakistani students were already studying there. The two sides also discussed the possibility of sending skilled Pakistani workers to Russia.
Kolokoltsev said joint action was necessary to address transnational crimes, including terrorism, narcotics smuggling and illegal migration. He also highlighted Russia’s efforts to reduce cybercrime through improved law enforcement measures.
The Russian interior minister arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day visit at Naqvi’s invitation. His trip marks the first visit to Pakistan by a Russian interior minister.
The visit comes amid growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Moscow. Both countries have explored cooperation in energy, trade and other sectors as Pakistan seeks to diversify its energy supplies and Russia looks to expand economic partnerships beyond Western markets.
Pakistan’s purchase of Russian crude oil in 2023 marked a significant development in their energy relationship. The latest discussions indicate that the two countries are also seeking to broaden cooperation in security, law enforcement and institutional exchanges.
