Pakistan, Russia agree to deepen security partnership with new interior ministries' MoU

• Naqvi, Russian counterpart pledge closer cooperation on counterterrorism, narcotics and cybercrime

• Both sides discuss coordinated strategy against terrorist networks operating from Afghanistan

• Russian interior minister invited to Pakistan as Islamabad, Moscow expand security engagement

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their respective interior ministries to institutionalise and broaden bilateral cooperation in counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, cybercrime prevention and joint police training, while reaffirming their commitment to closer coordination against regional and transnational security threats.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev at the United Nations Headquarters on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 (UNCOPS), according to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry.

وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی اور روس کے وزیر داخلہ ولادیمیر الیگزینڈر ووچ کولوکولٹسیف کے درمیان ملاقات، دہشت گردی اور سائبر کرائم کے خلاف مشترکہ حکمت عملی پر اتفاق

More Details; https://t.co/ydrM2D8pJ0#MohsinNaqvi #Pakistan #Russia #PakistanRussiaRelations #VladimirKolokoltsev pic.twitter.com/9pQYFos5Vf

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) July 8, 2026

The two ministers held detailed discussions on the prevailing regional security situation and explored ways to deepen collaboration in counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, cybercrime prevention and joint police training exercises. They also exchanged views on developing a coordinated strategy to counter terrorist networks operating in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.

Reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, both sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their respective interior ministries to institutionalise and expand cooperation on key security issues.

وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی روسی، سری لنکن ہم منصب اور چینی وزیرِ مملکت داخلہ سے ملاقاتیں
ملاقات میں خطے کی موجودہ صورتحال پر بات چیت
انسدادِ منشیات اور دہشت گردی، سائبر کرائم اور پولیس کی مشترکہ مشقیں کرانے پر تبادلۂ خیال@MohsinnaqviC42 pic.twitter.com/YfAcRKmRMH

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 8, 2026

The ministers also reviewed progress on decisions taken during their previous meeting, the statement said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi invited his Russian counterpart to visit Pakistan, underscoring Islamabad's commitment to expanding engagement with Moscow and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Naqvi said more than 25 terrorist organisations were currently active in Afghanistan, describing the elimination of extremist groups as a shared international responsibility.

"We need to work together and take effective measures to eradicate this menace," Naqvi said, stressing the importance of coordinated regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.

 

Naqvi's US visit and engagements

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is currently in the United States to represent Pakistan at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 (UNCOPS), being held at the UN Headquarters on July 7 and 8. The summit has brought together interior ministers, police chiefs and senior law enforcement officials from around the world to deliberate on peace, security and enhanced cooperation against transnational crime, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

The central theme of this year's summit is to develop a new vision for United Nations policing to ensure that peace operations remain agile, effective and people-centred in an evolving global security environment.

On the sidelines of the summit, Naqvi is scheduled to meet the UN Secretary-General and is also expected to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from several participating countries.

Diplomatic sources said that Naqvi is also expected to meet New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his visit.

Several other Pakistani ministers and senior government officials, including Ahsan Iqbal, Tariq Fatemi, Rana Mashhood and Khurram Dastgir, are also visiting the United States during the same period.

After concluding his engagements in New York, Naqvi is expected to travel to Washington for meetings with senior US officials. Mr Fatemi may also accompany him during the Washington consultations, diplomatic sources added.

The meetings are being closely watched because of Naqvi's continuing diplomatic engagement, including his recent meetings in Saudi Arabia, aimed at helping keep the US-Iran peace process on track since the outbreak of the conflict.

Islamabad has meanwhile emerged as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran.

The technical talks are expected to take place on July 11 and will be followed by the next round of high-level direct negotiations in Doha during the third week of July, after technical teams complete work on the agenda and outstanding issues.