Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev has said joint military exercises between Russia and Pakistan provide a valuable opportunity for the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance coordination and exchange military experience and traditions. Addressing participants after tactical demonstrations at the closing ceremony of the ninth joint Russia-Pakistan "Druzhba" military exercises at Cherat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ambassador congratulated the participating forces on the successful completion of the drills.

He highlighted the high level of coordination and cohesion demonstrated by Russian and Pakistani units during the exercises and underscored the importance of such joint activities in further strengthening bilateral ties. The exercises brought together personnel from Russia's 201st Military Base of the Central Military District, stationed in Tajikistan, and Pakistan's Special Forces. The participating troops demonstrated coordinated counterterrorism operations in challenging terrain, employing advanced weapons and technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

The forces were commanded by Colonel Oleg Stetsyuk, deputy chief of staff of Russia's Central Military District, Lieutenant General Muhammad Amir Najam, Inspector General Training and Evaluation, Major General Ahmed Jawad, commander of the Special Operations Forces, and Brigadier Muhammad Imran Aslam, commander of the 22nd Special Forces Brigade of Pakistan Army. The Russian ambassador attended the closing ceremony at Cherat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the participating personnel demonstrated their operational capabilities and coordination in counterterrorism scenarios.