Discussions centered on deepening military cooperation and fostering industrial partnerships between Pakistan-Russia
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: A high-level Russian delegation, led by Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr V. Fomin, recently met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The discussions, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), focused on deepening military cooperation and enhancing industrial partnerships between the two nations. Key topics included potential joint military exercises, collaborative training programs, and technical support for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening military ties with Russia, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in joint training and defence industry collaboration. Colonel General Fomin acknowledged the recent advancements in PAF capabilities and expressed Russia’s dedication to supporting the consolidation of the existing defence partnership between the two countries. This meeting signals a mutual commitment to enhance military cooperation, with future plans anticipated to include expanded joint exercises and equipment upgrades.
In a broader context of bilateral relations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly, emphasizing the significant potential for collaboration across various sectors, including trade and investment. During their discussions, PM Sharif extended his best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit Pakistan. The dialogue focused on enhancing banking channels to facilitate trade and establishing a comprehensive roadmap for economic cooperation.
Sharif noted that the recent visits by Russian officials indicate a positive trend in bilateral relations, expressing optimism about the upcoming Pakistan-Russia Joint Commission meeting scheduled for December, which he believes will serve as a crucial opportunity to expand cooperation further. In a separate engagement, Matviyenko underscored Russia’s commitment to increasing bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in multiple domains, including trade, investment, and diplomacy. She emphasized the significance of fostering diplomatic, economic, commercial, and parliamentary relations to enhance mutual ties.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani remarked on the potential impact of Matviyenko’s visit in bolstering bilateral relations and contributing to regional peace and development. He also acknowledged Russia’s support for infrastructural development and advancements in Pakistan’s oil and gas sectors, reiterating the importance of fostering closer connections between the two peoples. Overall, these meetings reflect a growing commitment from both nations to strengthen their ties across military, economic, and diplomatic fronts, positioning them for enhanced collaboration in the future.
