Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia have reached an agreement to bolster their bilateral cooperation across various fields, focusing on crime prevention and organized crime, as announced during delegation-level talks in Islamabad. The discussions were led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Kolokoltsev.

According to Radio Pakistan, the two nations have decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on information sharing to combat organized crime, finalize extradition and criminal transfer agreements, and ensure the early implementation of the Readmission Agreement. Enhanced collaboration between Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force and corresponding Russian agencies was also agreed upon.

Both countries plan to facilitate visits by working groups from their respective Interior Ministries. Discussions extended to the potential dispatch of skilled manpower from Pakistan to Russia, and the simplification of visa procedures for tourists and the business community. An agreement was also reached to foster cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and Russia’s Police Academy.

Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted the importance of streamlining the visa regime to enhance people-to-people ties. He noted that over 1,300 Pakistani students are currently in Russia and expressed a desire to expand educational opportunities. Naqvi also emphasized Pakistan’s interest in learning from Russia’s cybercrime expertise.

Russian Interior Minister Kolokoltsev underscored the necessity of joint measures against terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. He noted Russia’s success in reducing cybercrime by thirty-three percent through effective strategies.