Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening traditional defense ties with Russia. He expressed it when Colonel General Alexander V. Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, called on him at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tueday. The meeting addressed the regional security environment and matters of mutual interest, including the enhancement of bilateral defense and security cooperation. Both sides affirmed their dedication to bolstering collaboration in various security and defense domains. Colonel General Fomin commended the Pakistan Army’s achievements in combating terrorism and highlighted the importance of a unified, cooperative approach among the global community to counter extremism. Earlier, a high level delegation led by the Russian deputy defence minister called on Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Pakistan Air Force headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting remained focused on bolstering military cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two sides while exploring new avenues to fortify existing ties through joint military exercises and technical support for PAF equipment. The air chief emphasised on strengthening military ties with Russia, focusing on collaborative training programs, joint military drills and industrial collaboration. Colonel General Aleksandr V. Fomin commended the recent impressive advancements in Pakistan Air Force under the current leadership. The Russia deputy defence minister reiterated his resolve to play his role in further consolidating the existing collaborative defence partnership with Pakistan through military to military cooperation and technical support for PAF equipment.