Islamabad, In a significant development on the diplomatic front, Pakistan and Russia conducted the 14th meeting of the Consultative Group on Strategic Stability on February 7, 2024. The session, co-chaired by Mohammad Kamran Akhtar, Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament) of Pakistan, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs S.A. Ryabkov of Russia, facilitated a comprehensive dialogue on a wide range of issues pertaining to international security, regional stability, arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions encompassed critical topics on the agenda of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, as well as matters concerning the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The dialogue also delved into concerns related to biological and space security, international information security, and the implications of new and emerging technologies, including the military applications of artificial intelligence.

The two sides noted a convergence of views on several issues of global strategic importance, underscoring the depth of understanding and mutual interest in matters of regional security, arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Pakistan and Russia to maintain close coordination at relevant international forums and underscored the value of regular interactions through the Consultative Group to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the 15th session of the Consultative Group next year in Islamabad, reaffirming the ongoing engagement between Pakistan and Russia in addressing challenges to strategic stability and advancing the cause of arms control and disarmament at a global level.