Pakistan and Russia discussed regional security and defense cooperation at the second round of Joint Military Consultative Committee in Moscow, Radio Pakistan reported earlier on Tuesday.
The first round of the Joint Military Consultative Committee between Pakistan and Russia was held in August 2018. It concluded in an accord being signed between the two countries allowing for the training of Pakistani troops at the Russian military institutes. The Defense Ministry described it as the “highest forum of defence collaboration between Pakistan and the Russian Federation”, reported Dawn News last year.
According to a statement by the Defense Ministry, “Both countries signed the Contract on Admission of Service Members of Pakistan in RF’s (Russian Federation) Training Institutes,” in August 2018.
This time around, Defense Secretary Ikram-ul-Haq led the Pakistani delegation whereas the Russian Delegation was led by Deputy Defense Minister Alexander V Fomin.
The delegations held in-depth discussions regarding exploration and identification of areas of mutual cooperation ranging from military training, joint exercises, intelligence cooperation to addressing and resolving issues pertaining to defense industrial cooperation.
Both the sides expressed the hope that the joint military consultative committee would play a vital role in enhancing defense cooperation and agreed to ensure effective follow up and implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting.
A third round of the consultative committee is planned to be held in Pakistan next year.
