ISLAMABAD – Minister for Defence Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan has met hiscounterpart Defence Minister of the Russian Federation General SergeiShoigu on the sidelines of the Moscow Security Conference currently takingplace in the Russian capital.

Both the dignitaries noted the increasing convergence of views betweenPakistan and Russia on international issues, particularly regardingsustainable peace in Afghanistan, establishment of energy corridors, andcombating violent extremism and drug trafficking, a message received herefrom Moscow Thursday said.

They reviewed the positive developments since the unprecedented 2014Pak-Russia Agreement on Military Cooperation and agreed to extend mutualcooperation further in training of armed forces personnel, in naval field,and in conduct of a wider range of joint military exercises.

They expressed a shared concern about presence of ISIS in Afghanistan andincreased drug cultivation in Afghanistan and use of drug money for terrorfinancing.

The defence ministers of Pakistan and Russian Federation decided to enhancethe level of delegations to discuss Pakistan-Russia defence matterscomprehensively and regularly.