Pakistan and Russia have formalized agreements to intensify their collaboration in combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, announced the Interior Minister on Saturday. The accords were finalized during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Kolokoltsev, held on the sidelines of a regional conference in Bishkek.
Naqvi, attending the gathering of interior and public security ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, also engaged in bilateral discussions with the interior ministers of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. These talks centered on enhancing security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, law enforcement partnerships, and addressing regional challenges related to Afghanistan.
In a significant development, the Pakistan-Russia agreements focus on curbing illegal immigration and facilitating the repatriation of nationals. Additionally, both countries committed to strengthening joint initiatives to combat narcotics and prevent drug trafficking.
During his meeting with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, Naqvi highlighted security threats stemming from Afghanistan, including terrorist camps and narcotics production. The ministers acknowledged that approximately 25 terrorist organizations remain active in Afghanistan, posing serious regional security risks.
Further discussions with Uzbek Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov emphasized expanding cooperation between law enforcement agencies and increasing joint training programs. Similarly, talks with Kyrgyz Interior Minister Ulan Niyazbekov resulted in agreements to boost collaboration on shared security interests. Naqvi also extended congratulations to Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
In a separate meeting with Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, both sides agreed to enhance efforts to prevent illegal immigration. They also decided to establish a joint working group between their interior ministries to facilitate closer bilateral cooperation.
