Pakistan and Russia have agreed on the need for comprehensive strategies to counter challenges pertaining to various forms of radicalisation, the spread of terrorist ideologies, and the misuse of information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes.

The consensus was reached during the tenth meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism and Other Challenges to Security was held in Islamabad on November 16, according to the Foreign Office.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, additional foreign secretary and Ambassador Sergey Vershinin, the deputy foreign minister of Russia.

The two sides discussed at length the global and regional terrorist threats, with a particular focus on the situations in Afghanistan, Central and South Asia, and North Africa. “The dialogue underscored the complexity of the terrorism landscape and the need for continued vigilance.”

The two sides outlined their national strategies and measures for combating terrorism. Pakistan and Russia shared their experiences and practices, highlighting the importance of national efforts in the broader fight against terrorism.

The meeting was part of regular exchanges in the backdrop of Pakistan-Russia bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. “The two sides agreed to strengthen collaborative efforts to effectively combat terrorism, underscoring the mutual benefits of such cooperation.”

Discussions on enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), were particularly fruitful, the FO said and added that the two sides resolved to work together in combating financing of terrorism and in other key areas of counter-terrorism.

The two sides concluded with the commitment to continue their cooperation in the fight against terrorism. They recognised the importance of their partnership in maintaining regional and global security.

The next meeting of the Working Group would be held in 2024.