An official statement noted that such joint training initiatives not only enhance historic ties but also fortify a shared commitment to combating terrorism, crucial in the current global context
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, is set to embark on a three-day official visit to Islamabad today, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic and parliamentary relations between Pakistan and Russia. This visit is anticipated to deepen the already burgeoning ties between the two nations, with Matvienko scheduled to engage in high-level meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Additionally, she will address a special session of the Senate, highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in reinforcing bilateral cooperation. Matvienko’s arrival comes on the heels of the recently concluded joint counter-terrorism exercise, Druzhba-VII, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi. This exercise, which took place over two weeks, involved special forces from both the Pakistan Army and a contingent of 54 Russian troops, who participated in various training drills focusing on counter-terrorism techniques.
The exercise culminated in a closing ceremony attended by Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, who lauded the professionalism displayed by the troops and emphasized the significance of this collaboration in refining tactical procedures. The Druzhba-VII exercise is the seventh bilateral engagement of its kind and served as a platform for enhancing military ties, showcasing each nation’s specialized experience in counter-terror operations. An official statement noted that such joint training initiatives not only enhance historic ties but also fortify a shared commitment to combating terrorism, crucial in the current global context.
Just a week prior, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin held discussions in Islamabad, emphasizing the importance of a robust dialogue and cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, and education. The two leaders agreed to foster closer collaboration and linguistic exchanges to enhance people-to-people ties, while also promoting increased cooperation between their banking sectors to facilitate trade and investment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening political, economic, and defense ties with Russia, expressing gratitude for Russia’s support of Pakistan’s bid for BRICS membership—a significant move toward deeper global collaboration. He reflected on his productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin in July, where both leaders underscored the necessity of meaningfully enhancing bilateral relations, including discussions on establishing direct flights to improve connectivity.
