A Russian military delegation, accompanied by senior officers of the Pakistan Army, visited Miran Shah in North Waziristan Agency and Wanna in South Waziristan Agency, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The delegation of the Russian army, the first ever to visit the conflict-stricken areas, was led by Deputy Chief of General Staff Colonel General Israkov Sergi Yuryevich.

“The delegation was briefed about Pakistan Army's efforts to clear FATA from terrorists of all hue and colours,” said the ISPR statement.

The visiting Russian military officers were also briefed about border management on the Pak-Afghan border and socio economic development projects in the area.

“The delegation acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s achievements in the fight against terrorism and efforts to bring stability in the region,” added the statement.

Cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and Pakistan has grown in recent times.

In September 2016, a contingent of Russian ground forces arrived in Pakistan for the first ever joint Pak-Russian exercise.

Around 200 military personnel of both countries participated in the drills. The special operations drills codenamed ‘Druzhbha-2016’ — a Russian word meaning “friendship” — saw Russian troops and Pakistani special forces working in close cooperation.

Building upon the cooperation, Russian Navy’s largest anti-submarine warfare ship Severmorsk arrived in Pakistan for participation in the Aman 2017 international naval exercises in February 2017.

Pakistan also confirmed purchase of Mi-35 ground attack helicopters in 2015.