Pakistan has placed an order to Russia for purchase of the latest MI-35 Helicopters for multipurpose use including fighting terrorism, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Y. Dedov told a news conference at the Russian embassy in Islamabad.
“The deal is still being negotiated between Russian and Pakistani defense officials and hopefully would be finalized soon,” Dedov told the media.
The Russian envoy said there has been never any ban on the sale of Russian military equipment to Pakistan.
“There is ongoing cooperation with Pakistan in the field of defense and counter-terrorism and security,” Dedov said.
He also informed the media that Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz would be visiting the Russian city of Kazan to participate in the “5th International Meeting of High-Level Officials Responsible for Security Matters from 18-20 June, 2014.
Sartaj Aziz would also meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the visit, the envoy said.
Dedov also reiterated the desire of the Russian Federation to strengthen its bilateral relations with Pakistan in all spheres.
The Russian envoy while stating concern over rising incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, expressed sympathies with the victims and offered cooperation to Pakistan in countering terrorism.
“Presence of Uzeb, Tajik, ETIM militants in Pakistan’s tribal areas are posing a security threat to the entire region and collective efforts are needed to tackle this menace,” Dedov remarked.
He also feared that after the withdrawal of Nato troops from Afghanistan, security would be a big challenge for the Afghan National Security Forces.
