Islamabad, Pakistan: Russia is committed to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in military, defense, intelligence, security and energy sectors”.
This was said by the head of Russian delegation Mikhail Mikhailovich POPOV (Михаил Михайлович ПОПОВ) who is deputy secretary of Security Council of the Russian Federation (Совет безопасности Российской Федерации –СБРФ) during his meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt.General ® Nasser Khan Janjua here on Wednesday.
Mikhail Popov was accompanied by Assistant Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Aleksandr Venediktov and T.P. Boykov during his meeting with NSA Nasser Khan Janjua.
Besides focusing on enhancing the scope of bilateral relations and cooperation, matters pertaining to regional security situation came under deliberate discussion.
According to an official statement issued by the office of the National Security Division, NSA warmly received the guests and thanked them for coming over to Pakistan. “Such visits always prove to be instrumental in enhancing better understanding and further strengthening of bilateral relations”. He said. NSA, subsequently, gave them a detailed presentation focusing on the global trends of power politics, regional security situation and the role which Pakistan plays against terrorism and also in maintaining the regional strategic balance.
NSA adequately highlighted connectivity potential of Pakistan and how whole of the region and world can gain from it. Pakistan is a country which holds great future in its palms. Only the world needs to recognise and capitalize on it by way of cooperation and nor confrontation. Seeking economic prosperity and investing in the peace will enable the world to reap the benefits which Pakistan can offer. He stressed the importance of increasing cooperation among the regional countries and suggested that collective efforts are required to seek peace and stability for the region. He also applauded cooperative outlook of Russia in different areas. “We are two great nations who have risen beyond past to embrace the bright future together” he said. Mr. M.M. Popov appreciated positive outlook of Pakistan and also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan against terrorism. He reiterated the commitment of his government to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in all possible areas including military, defense, intelligence, security, energy and training etc which was thankfully admired by NSA.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory of bilateral relations and expressed a strong resolve to strengthen it further.
The Russian delegation also met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua of Pakistan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the two sides discussed defence and security relations and expressed satisfaction on the current level of cooperation in this context.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office of Pakistan, the Foreign Secretary elaborated on Pakistan’s improved security situation in the country and ongoing counter terrorism efforts. She also expressed satisfaction at increasing military and technical cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
The talks were marked by convergence of views between the two sides on various global and regional issues of mutual interest. The Russian side expressed deep appreciation and acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. They also recognized the need for joint efforts for peace, security and stability in the region.
Initiated this year, the talks between the high-level security officials of Pakistan and Russia provide a useful platform for engagement on wide range of issues.
Born on May 30, 1951 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur Khabarovsk Territory in the family of a army official, Михаил Михайлович ПОПОВ joined Soviet Army in 1969 and served till year 2010 served in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. His last posting was as Vice Admiral. He is Ph. D in Military Sciences and teaches as Assistant professor. He was placed as Assistant Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation by President Vladimir Putin on January 20, 2012. Since March 29, 2013, he is performing his duties as Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. He also performs as Actual state adviser of the Russian Federation. He also holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the Interdepartmental Commission of the Security Council of the Russian Federation for Military Security.
