Russia appreciates Pakistan's participation in anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan

Moscow hopes Islamabad will adhere to its commitments on the fight against terrorism and religious extremism, Russian Foreign Ministry official spokesman Alexander Yakovenko told RIA Novosti Friday.

According to him, Russia will re-affirm its concerns about the threats of terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking proceeding from the Afghan-Pakistani direction during the visit by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov to Pakistan on June 15.

"Russia appreciates Pakistan's participation in the anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan and the measures taken by President Musharraf's administration aimed at neutralisation of militant Islamist organisations operating in the country," Yakovenko noted.

Other issues to be discussed are the plans for Afghanistan's post-conflict settlement, complete settlement of the situation around Iraq and the state of affairs in the Middle East in the context of the relevant Security Council resolutions with the UN playing the leading role.

The sides will discuss the situation in the South Asia. Russia believes that "normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan is in line with these countries' interests and the cause of achieving stability and security in the South Asian subcontinent." Moscow backs the parties' peace efforts aimed at creating the conditions for resuming full-format political dialogue, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

In addition, Moscow regards its co-operation with Islamabad in the United Nations, especially in connection with Pakistan's election as the Security Council non-permanent member for the coming two years, extremely important.