Russian, Pakistan defense ministers note importance of coordinated anti-drug efforts
ISLAMABAD. Nov 20 (Interfax) - Russia and Pakistan pledge to coordinate their efforts in the suppression of terrorism and drug trafficking against the backdrop of the situation in Afghanistan and the region as a whole, Russian Defense Minister Gen. of the Army Sergei Shoigu said at the end of his negotiations with Pakistani colleague Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday.
"We have exchanged opinions on a number of essential international and regional security issues at the negotiations. First and foremost, Afghanistan. Our opinions on the situation in that country are either close or identical in many aspects," the Russian minister said.
"We are interested in the soonest resolution of local problems. We also see the reduction of regional tensions as a primary objective of the international community. We will maintain contacts with them [the Pakistan side] in this area," he said.
The sides "put emphasis on coordinated efforts in the suppression of international terrorism and drug trafficking," Shoigu added.
