ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (NNI): Pakistan and Russia have agreed to activate the anti-terrorism dialogue between the two countries, saying this scourge can only be overcome through joint measures.
The agreement reached during a meeting between Russian Ambassador Albert P Khorev who called on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Issues of mutual interest and promotion of bilateral relations were discussed in detail during the meeting.
The meeting agreed on enhancing mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and activating the anti-terrorism dialogue between the two countries.
The meeting also evolved consensus on maximum exchanges of mutual delegations to increase cooperation in diverse fields.
Talking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi said terrorism is an international challenge and this scourge can be overcome only through multilateral joint measures.
The Russian ambassador invited Pakistani officers to participate in anti-narcotics training programmes in Moscow and Siberia.
Mohsin Naqvi said they will promote mutual relations to further strengthen ties with Russia. There are vast opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation in various fields, Mohsin Naqvi added.
The ever-increasing cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow was also reflective from the Pak-Russia freight train service which is expected to commence its operations by March 15, 2025. The initiative aims to boost Pakistan’s regional trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Cotainerized cargo commitments were sought from the whole business community in general and members of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) in particular for the upcoming run.
The freight train service would operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, offering container capacity options of 22 tonnes (TEU) and 44 tonnes (FEU).
The Taftan station in Pakistan would serve as the key entry point for goods moving along this international corridor.
Through this service, Russia would be able to export oil, natural gas, steel and industrial goods directly to Pakistan.
In return, Pakistani exporters would gain improved access to Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russian markets for textiles, food products and agricultural goods, including rice, wheat, and cotton.
Pakistan and Russia had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Railways sector during the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in June 2024.
This agreement laid the groundwork for this ambitious project, which promises to establish a more efficient and cost-effective trade route connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Russia. NNI
