Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and appreciated the military’s efforts for regional peace and stability, besides countering terrorism in the country.
The meeting took place at the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the discussions revolved around mutually-beneficial matters and the security dynamics of the region. They also discussed cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in various sectors. The army chief expressed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its defense ties with Russia.
The Russian deputy premier arrived in the country on Wednesday along, with a high-level delegation. He was received at the airport by Pakistan’s envoy to Russia Muhammad Khalid Jamali and Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Shafqat Ali Khan.
The dignitary is scheduled to meet his counterpart, Ishaq Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit.
This visit comes at a pivotal time when the regional dynamics are changing and the international order is evolving. The Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crises in the Middle East have brought international security dynamics to the forefront. On the domestic front, Pakistan is also battling groups that are operating from foreign soil. Amid attempts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, the international community’s frequent engagement with the country is a positive signal.
Other diplomatic engagements also continued while the Russian deputy premier visited the country. Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam also called on Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif in the federal capital. During the meeting, Mr Asif emphasized the historical ties between both sides, which he said are rooted in religious and cultural affinities. He also termed the Pakistan-Iran ties as fraternal ties between the two nations.
He emphasized the importance of the Joint Border Commission, saying that important measures have been taken by Pakistan to improve border management. He called on the Iranians to also partake in the effort. During the meeting, both sides were satisfied with the way Pakistan and Iran were cooperating with one another, and they said that they were committed to expanding bilateral ties on matters of mutual interest.
Separately, Tajikistan’s Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir also called on the defense minister and discussed bilateral matters in the defense and economic domains. Both sides also discussed matters related to aviation.
Mr Asif accentuated Pakistan’s dedication to resolving regional issues. He also appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts for peace and regional economic integration. Mr Toir highlighted the brotherly ties between the two countries and expressed Tajikistan’s commitment to engage with Pakistan in various domains.
On the political front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while speaking to the British High Commissioner Jane Mariott, emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral ties through improved cooperation in multiple domains, including trade and investment, climate change and social connectivity. He said that his government was committed to working with the authorities in the United Kingdom in this regard. He highlighted the crucial role being played by expatriate Pakistanis residing in the UK, who acted as a bridge between both countries.
It is worth mentioning here that on Wednesday, King Charles III called Prime Minister Shehbaz and invited him to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held in Samoa from the 21st to the 26th of October. The premier, while accepting the invitation, highlighted the significance of the event, considering this is King Charles III’s first meeting as the head of the Commonwealth.