MOSCOW- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow and Islamabadhave formed a joint military commission.

He said Russia would continue to provide assistance to Pakistan inenhancing country’s potential to fight terrorism.

He was addressing a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpartKhwaja Muhammad Asif in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister said Moscow would continue to boost Pakistan’scounterterrorism capacity, which is in the entire region’s interests. Hesaid a commission on military cooperation is also being formed.

Sergei Lavrov said we have decided to continue the practice of organizingjoint tactical exercises to drill skills of counter-terrorist organizationsin mountainous conditions.

Russian Foreign Minister said Moscow sees good opportunities for trade andeconomic 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 significantpart of this sector in Pakistan was created with the assistance of Russianspecialists.

Pakistan foreign minister said he saw opportunities for bilateralcooperation in military, technical and banking sectors.

He congratulated Lavrov on the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomaticties between Pakistan and Russia, voicing hope to step up cooperation.

Russian foreign minister said last year, we handed four Mi-35M combat andcargo helicopters to Pakistan. These gunship helicopters are helping thecountry in the fight against terrorism.