Moscow to continue support Pakistan in counter-terrorism: Lavrov

MOSCOW – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow would continue to provide assistance to Pakistan in enhancing country’s potential to fight terrorism. He was addressing a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart Khwaja Muhammad Asif in Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister said Moscow would continue to boost Pakistan’s counterterrorism capacity, which is in the entire region’s interests. He said a commission on military cooperation is also being formed. Sergei Lavrov said we have decided to continue the practice of organizing joint tactical exercises to drill skills of counter-terrorist organizations in mountainous conditions. Russian Foreign Minister said Moscow sees good opportunities for trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan, primarily in energy. He said we have good opportunities in trade and economic cooperation, investment cooperation, most notably in energy, given that the significant part of this sector in Pakistan was created with the assistance of Russian specialists. Pakistan foreign minister said he saw opportunities for bilateral cooperation in military, technical and banking sectors. He congratulated Lavrov on the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Russia, voicing hope to step up cooperation. Russian foreign minister said last year, we handed four Mi-35M combat and cargo helicopters to Pakistan. These gunship helicopters are helping the country in the fight against terrorism.