Comment by the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the messages from the mass media about the supplies of Russian military equipment to Pakistan

The Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, being active participants of the international counter-terrorism coalition, are working together to counteract new challenges and threats. Contrary to the information in some mass media, Russia has never imposed an embargo on the supply of armaments to Pakistan.

We are indeed conducting negotiations with Pakistan with regard to Russian assistance in the reinforcement of the counter-terrorism and anti-drug potential of Islamabad, incl. by delivering a shipment of Mi-35 helicopters. We delivered helicopters to Pakistan earlier as well, and our military and technical cooperation with this country started in 1960's.

The Russian-Pakistani cooperation in this area does not create any threats with regard to changes in the military and strategic balance of the region and is not targeted against third countries.

4 June 2014