Russian defence minister arrives in Pakistan

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived on a day-long visit to Pakistan Thursday, media reported.

During his short stay in Islamabad, Shoigu would meet Prime Minister Sharif in Islamabad to discuss issues related to security and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, Dawn online reported.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation is expected to be signed. This is the first visit to Pakistan by a Russian defence minister in the recent past.

Russia and Pakistan have lately been working on enhancing defence cooperation and are believed to have already covered a lot of ground. Exchange of visits by military commanders in recent years is an indication of progress achieved in this regard.

India's decision to enter into a tighter embrace with the US has prompted Russia to rethink its defence relationship with Pakistan.

The visit also comes against the backdrop of reports that Moscow has given the go-ahead for sale of MI-35 helicopters to Pakistan, which is interested in purchasing up to 20 helicopters.