ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Russian troops, around 70 from each country, kicked off a joint military exercise codenamed Dhruzba (friendship) 5 in the northwestern Pakistani town of Tarbela on Sunday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan military’s media wing, said on Twitter.
Pakistan and Russia, in an effort to improve bilateral military cooperation, inked an agreement in 2018 that allows for the training of Pakistani troops at Russian military institutes.
“Opening ceremony of DRUZHBA — V held at Tarbela today. Pak-Russian Federation Special Forces are participating in two weeks long counter terrorism exercise,” the ISPR said in a tweet on Sunday.
“The ceremony was attended by Russian ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Danila Ganich. Senior officials from both the armies were present on the occasion,” another tweet said.
Earlier, the Russian defense ministry said the exercise was aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
On Thursday, the Pakistani military said on Twitter that sky diving and hostage rescue operations would be the highlights of the exercise.
