Special Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ms. Tasnim Aslam met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow, says a press statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad Thursday.
MOSCOW, (Pakistan Point News - 01st Feb, 2018 ) : Special Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ms. Tasnim Aslam met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow, says a press statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad Thursday. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation Mr. Khalilullah Qazi and Ambassador Zamir Kabulov, Special Representative of the Russian President on Afghanistan also attended the meeting.
Bilateral and regional issues were discussed during the meeting. The focus of discussion was on Afghanistan. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reiterated their resolve to further deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in the fields of Trade, Energy, Defence, education and other fields of mutual interest. Special Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister held in-depth discussions on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region.
They reiterated that there was no military solution to the Afghan problem and the negotiated settlement through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process was the only viable option for lasting peace in Afghanistan. The Special Secretary informed the Deputy Foreign Minister about the measures taken by Pakistan for border management with Afghanistan and Pakistan’s continued commitment to combating terrorism despite having rendered enormous sacrifices and borne human and material losses.
The Special Secretary also highlighted the need for repatriation of more than 3 million Afghan refugees who have been availing Pakistan’s hospitality now for more than four decades. The Russian side appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism and expressed willingness to further strengthen cooperation and support Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism. Earlier, Special Secretary held a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Oleg Syromolotov. Both sides discussed issues relating to the forthcoming meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to be held in Paris on 18-23 February 2018. The Special Secretary informed the Deputy Foreign Minister about the measures taken by Pakistan to implement its international obligations and intentions of some FATF Member States to use the forum for their political ends.
