Pakistan, Russia sign agreements on illegal immigration and counter-narcotics cooperation

BISHKEK: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday signed a series of cooperation agreements with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev aimed at strengthening collaboration on illegal immigration, repatriation of undocumented citizens, and counter-narcotics efforts.

According to Pakistan's Ministry of Interior, the agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Special Meeting of Interior Ministers and Public Security Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

During the event, Naqvi held separate bilateral meetings with the interior ministers of Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to discuss regional security challenges and avenues for enhanced cooperation.

In his meeting with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazan Rahim Zada, discussions focused on the security situation in Afghanistan. Both sides noted the presence of approximately 25 terrorist organisations operating within Afghan territory and expressed concern over terrorist camps and narcotics production in the country.

The two ministers agreed that terrorism and drug trafficking originating from Afghanistan pose significant threats to regional peace and stability and require greater coordination among neighbouring states.

During talks with Uzbekistan's Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies and explored opportunities for joint training programmes and professional exchanges.

Meanwhile, discussions with Kazakhstan's Interior Minister Yergan Sadinov resulted in an agreement to strengthen collaboration against illegal immigration. The two countries also decided to establish a joint working group to promote closer coordination between their interior ministries.

In a separate meeting with Kyrgyz Interior Minister Niyaz Bekov Olan Omokanovich, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Naqvi congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and thanked the host country for the arrangements made for the SCO ministerial gathering.

The interior minister is currently representing Pakistan at the SCO ministerial meeting in Bishkek. Addressing delegates earlier, Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit,” emphasizing mutual trust, equality, respect for sovereignty, and regional cooperation as key pillars for addressing common security challenges.

The meetings underscored Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen regional partnerships in combating terrorism, narcotics trafficking, illegal migration, and other transnational security threats.