Pakistan, Russia sign agreement to allow Pakistani troops to receive training at Russian military training institutes

Pakistan and Russia have signed contract on admission of service members of Pakistan in Russia’s Military Training Institutes. The agreement was signed at conclusion of first meeting of Russia-Pakistan Joint Military Consultative Committee (JMCC), the highest forum of defence collaboration between both countries held in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This will be for first time, Pakistani soldiers will undergo training at Russian military institutes. This agreement is considered as sign of further strengthening defence ties between Russia and Paksitan.

Russia-Pakistan Joint Military Consultative Committee (JMCC)

During inaugural JMCC meeting, both sides discussed present status of their defence relations with aim to further strengthen, expand and diversify mutual cooperation. They exchanged views on bilateral and major international issues, including situation in West Asia and Afghanistan. They also expressed requirement of greater cooperative and collaborative approach among global community to defeat extremism. Moreover, comprehensive issue-based review was also carried out during which both countries expressed satisfaction on milestones achieved since signing of defence cooperation agreement in 2014. They also discussed regional security situation and matters of mutual interest, including enhancement of bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Background

Pakistan’s defence ties with Russia have moved past bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years, mostly after chill in Pakistan’s relations with US. This has further pushed Pakistan close towards Russia and China. Russia and Pakistan had defence cooperation agreement in 2014. This has further enhance their bilateral relations. Both countries also have initiative military exercise DRUZBA (Friendship) in 2016.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2018