Summary The two sides exchanged views on important global and regional developments.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The first Pakistan-Russia consultations on regional issues were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, the Foreign Office stated in a press release.
The Russian side was led by Alexander V. Sternik, Head of the Third CIS Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia while the Pakistani side was led by r. Ahmad Hussain Dayo, Director General (West Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the consultations, the whole range of regional issues as well as key areas of mutual interest including economic cooperation and connectivity were discussed. The two sides also exchanged views on important global and regional developments.
It was decided that the next round of Consultations will be convened in Moscow in 2017.
After decades of hostility, Russia and Pakistan are trying to improve relations.
In September 2016, 70 Russian and 130 Pakistani special forces held their first joint military exercises in Cherat, in northern Pakistan, home of Pakistan’s Special Forces.
Soon after, decided to accord approval to the Russian request for using the Gwadar Port for its exports as Moscow also showed its willingness to be part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In 2014, Russia lifted a longstanding ban on sale of arms to Pakistan. The two countries also signed a deal on four Russian Mil Mi-35M attack helicopters, which are meant to replace Pakistan’s aging US-made AH-1 Cobras.
