ISLAMABAD: In a major breakthrough in bilateral relations after Moscow recently lifted an embargo on arms sales to Islamabad, defence authorities of Pakistan and Russia have finally given the go-ahead for purchase of Mi35M helicopters from Russia.
“The matter remained under consideration for many months. Now we have given Russians final go-ahead for the purchase of these helicopters,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was on Sunday quoted by Dawn.com website as saying.
The Mi-35M is a multi-purpose transport helicopter for combat missions capable of operating round the clock in mountainous terrain. The minister said these helicopters would be used in the fight against militants.
“Russia has now placed Pakistan in category B from D for arms sales, which means that Pakistan can buy weapons from Russia’s defence market,” Asif said.
He brushed aside an impression that the Russian defence minister’s visit to Pakistan might annoy New Delhi and Washington, saying that Islamabad-Moscow ties were not “at the cost of our relations with any other country”.
He termed it independent diplomacy, adding that Russia is a regional power and Pakistan cannot ignore it.
“After US-Nato forces withdrawal from Afghanistan, security will be a bigger challenge for Afghanistan. So Pakistan wants Russian engagement in the Afghan peace process,” Asif said. “We must forget what Russia did in the past and look forward to a new beginning in the region.”
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