MOSCOW: It is vital to strengthen relations between Moscow and Islamabad for regional and international security, said Gen Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, during a meeting with Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood.

“The development of constructive relations between Russia and Pakistan is an important factor in ensuring regional stability and international security,” Gen Gerasimov said.

He said that meetings between the Russian and Pakistani defence ministers ‘’have given a powerful stimulus’’ for developing relations between the armed forces.

“We are optimistic about the prospects of cooperation between our defence ministries,” he added.

Russia and Pakistan are planning ‘’an intensive programme’’ of joint events for the current year, including talks between the two countries general staff, military exercises and exchange of military delegations, he pointed out.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2016