Pakistan and Russia have jointly acknowledged the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address challenges related to various forms of radicalization, the proliferation of terrorist ideologies, and the misuse of information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes.
This consensus emerged during the tenth session of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism and Other Challenges to Security, which took place in Islamabad on November 16, as reported by the Foreign Office.
Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, additional foreign secretary, and Ambassador Sergey Vershinin, the deputy foreign minister of Russia, co-chaired the meeting. The extensive discussions covered global and regional terrorist threats, with a specific focus on the situations in Afghanistan, Central and South Asia, and North Africa. The dialogue emphasized the intricate nature of the terrorism landscape, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance.
Both nations presented their national strategies and measures for combating terrorism, exchanging experiences and practices that underscored the significance of national efforts in the broader fight against terrorism.
The meeting was part of the regular exchanges within the framework of Pakistan-Russia bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. Both sides expressed a commitment to strengthening collaborative efforts to effectively combat terrorism, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such cooperation.
Productive discussions were held on enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The two nations resolved to work together on combating the financing of terrorism and other key areas of counter-terrorism.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, recognizing the importance of their partnership in maintaining regional and global security. The next session of the Working Group is scheduled for 2024.
