MOSCOW: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has emphasized the need for strengthening defence cooperation with the Russian Federation. He expressed this desire during meeting with his Russian counter in Moscow. The minister expressed the hope that this visit would further strengthen the enhancing defence relations between the two countries. He stated that Russia is an important country and Pakistan regards its growing power as a positive development for strategic stability in multi polar world. He said that Pakistan acknowledges Russia’s role in global as well as regional affairs. He mentioned that agreement on military technical cooperation would further enhance the relations between the two countries. The federal minister stated that there is a need to encourage and enhance Russian Navy participation in joint exercises with Pakistan Navy.