*ISLAMABAD: *Russia on Wednesday lauded Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fightagainst terrorism, saying Kremlin is committed to enhanced security,defence, intelligence as well as economic cooperation with Islamabad.

The statement came from deputy secretary of the National Security Councilof the Russia Federation, Mikhail Popov, who held talks with NationalSecurity Adviser (NSA) Lt General (retd) Naseer Khan Janjua and in aseparate meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

An NSA official said that besides focusing on enhancing the scope ofbilateral relations and cooperation, matters related to regional securitysituation also came under discussion.

“The NSA warmly received and welcomed the visiting Russian official andthanked him for coming over to Pakistan. Such visits always prove to beinstrumental in enhancing better understanding and further strengthening ofbilateral relations,” he said.

The NSA gave them a detailed presentation focusing on the global trends ofpower politics, regional security situation and the role which Pakistanplays against terrorism and also in maintaining the regional strategicbalance.

Nasser Khan Janjua highlighted connectivity potential of Pakistan and howthe whole region and the world could gain from Pakistan experience.

He said Pakistan was a country which held great future potential. “Only theworld needs to recognise and capitalise on it by the way of cooperation,not confrontation. Seeking economic prosperity and investing in the peacewill enable the world to reap the benefits which Pakistan can offer.”

He stressed the importance of increasing cooperation among the regionalcountries and suggested that collective efforts were required to seek peaceand stability for the region. He also applauded the cooperative outlook ofRussia in different areas.

“We are two great nations who have risen beyond past to embrace the brightfuture together,” he said.

Mikhail Popov appreciated the positive outlook of Islamabad and alsoacknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan against terrorism.

He reiterated the commitment of his government to enhance cooperation withPakistan in all possible areas including military, defence, intelligence,security, energy and training.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory of bilateralrelations and expressed a strong resolve to strengthen it further.