?Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev held an important meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, at the Ministry of Interior. Upon his arrival, Minister Naqvi warmly welcomed the Russian Interior Minister. Delegation-level talks were also held between the two sides.
?
?Both Interior Ministers expressed their commitment to promoting mutual cooperation in areas of shared interest.
?
?During the meeting, it was decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and information sharing to combat organised crime. The two sides also agreed to finalise agreements on extradition and the transfer of convicted criminals, while deciding to ensure the early implementation of the Readmission Agreement.
?
?The meeting also agreed to enhance cooperation between Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and the relevant Russian agencies. Both sides further agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating cybercrime and to promote institutional cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Russian Police Academy.
?
?It was also decided that the working groups of the interior ministries of both countries would visit each other’s countries in the near future.
?
?The two sides discussed the provision of skilled Pakistani manpower to Russia, as well as facilitating visa procedures for tourists and the business community. Measures to enhance people-to-people contacts between the two countries were also discussed.
?
?Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that an agreement on combating organised crime would serve as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation. He said that facilitating the visa regime would help increase people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Russia. He added that Pakistan wished to benefit from Russia’s experience and expertise in combating cybercrime.
?Mohsin Naqvi further stated that approximately 1,300 Pakistani students were currently studying in Russia, adding that Pakistan wanted more students to pursue their education there.
?
?Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev emphasised that joint efforts were essential to prevent all forms of organised crime, including terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal migration. He also stated that Russia had reduced cybercrime by 33 per cent through effective measures.
?Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Special and Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Interior, Director General FIA, Commandant National Police Academy, Inspector General Federal Constabulary, Director General National Forensics Agency, Director General NCCIA, Director General Passports, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector General Islamabad Police and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
