Russian Interior Minister holds landmark talks with Field Marshal

Russia’s Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

The meeting formed part of Kolokoltsev’s four-day official visit to Pakistan — the first by a Russian interior minister. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and the regional security situation, with emphasis on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and closer institutional linkages.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening longstanding ties with Russia, particularly in the security domain. Kolokoltsev expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability and acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistani forces in counter-terrorism operations.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kolokoltsev held talks with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation against organised crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, terrorism and illegal migration. They also moved towards finalising agreements on extradition and the transfer of convicted persons.

Kolokoltsev additionally called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where discussions covered potential expansion of economic and trade cooperation.

The visit follows the recent Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan and comes as Russia and Pakistan seek broader engagement on security and law-enforcement issues.