RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Armed Forces and a contingent of Russian Federation Special Forces joined hands for a two-week counterterrorism exercise, "Druzhba-V".

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the opening ceremony of "Druzhba-V" was held at Tarbela on Sunday.

The ceremony was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Danila Ganich, the ISPR added.

"Pak-Russian Federation Special Forces are participating in two weeks long counterterrorism exercise," the statement said, adding, "National anthems of both countries were played at the start of the ceremony."

The ceremony was attended by Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Danila Ganich. Senior officials from both the armies were present on the occasion.

The Russian Special Forces had arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-week-long military training.

The joint exercises are seen as another step in growing military-to-military cooperation, indicating steady growth in the relationship between the two countries, whose ties had been marred by Cold War rivalry for decades.

Pak-Russia joint military exercises DRUZHBA (friendship) are held every year. The exercises started in 2016, and include aspects of counter-terrorism and special operations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020