Islamabad: In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev met with his Pakistani counterpart, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Islamabad. The high-level meeting, held at Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, included delegation-level discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting culminated in a decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on combating organized crime through cooperation and information sharing. The two countries also agreed to finalize agreements on extradition and the transfer of convicted criminals, alongside ensuring the swift implementation of the Readmission Agreement.

The session underscored plans to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force and relevant Russian agencies, with a shared commitment to tackle cybercrime. Institutional cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Russian Police Academy was also on the agenda.

Further discussions were held regarding the exchange of skilled Pakistani manpower to Russia and facilitating visa procedures for tourists and business communities. Both sides highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts.

Interior Minister Naqvi expressed the significance of the agreement on combating organized crime as a pivotal step in reinforcing bilateral collaboration. He emphasized the potential benefits Pakistan could gain from Russia’s expertise in cybercrime prevention. Minister Kolokoltsev noted the importance of joint efforts to prevent organized crime, citing Russia’s 33 percent reduction in cybercrime as an example of effective measures.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, and several other senior officials from both countries.