A contingent of Russian Special Forces has arrived in Pakistan for a two-week joint military exercise codenamed ‘Bruzhba 5’. #Russian Federation Special Forces’ contingent arrived in Pakistan for 2 weeks long joint exercise DRUZHBA 5. The exercise is aimed at sharing both armies experiences in counter terrorism domain. Sky diving & hostage rescue operations will be highlights of exercise #DRUZHBA. pic.twitter.com/XUeO5XCgRt — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 5, 2020 “Russian Federation Special Forces’ contingent arrived in Pakistan for two weeks long joint exercise Druzhba 5. The exercise is aimed at sharing both armies’ experiences in counterterrorism domain,” the ISPR said in a statement. The drills would formally commence on 8th November in Tarbela. Around 70 Russian troops and officers are participating in the exercise that would continue till 21st November. An equal number of Pakistani soldiers are participating in the drills. The exercise is part of Pak-Russia military cooperation. The fourth edition of ‘Bruzhba’ was held in Russia in October last year. The defence relations between the two countries have been strengthened since the signing of defence cooperation pact in 2014. The Russian defence ministry said the exercise was aimed to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, and it was being held under the framework of international military cooperation. The joint military exercise “Druzhba 5” between Pakistan and Russia has been held annually since 2016. The exercises include aspects of counter terrorism and special operations. Earlier in September, a contingent of the Pakistani armed forces participated in the opening ceremony of the multinational military exercise titled “Kavkaz-2020” in Astrakhan, Russia. “This year, due to the epidemiological situation in the world, the stages of the exercise will be held in compliance with all measures to prevent spread of the new coronavirus infection. All Russian military personnel were tested for Covid-19 before leaving for the exercise,” the Russian defence ministry said.