Pakistan-Russia Special Forces Druzhba (Friendship) -5 joint exercises begin in Tarbela.
Statements and photos were released on the social networking site Twitter by the Pakistan Army Public Relations (ISPR).
"The inaugural ceremony of Darwaza Ba Five was held in Tarbela. Pak-Russian Federation Special Forces are participating in two weeks of counter-terrorism exercises," the statement said.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the national anthems of both the countries were played.
According to ISPR, "Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Daniela Ganich and senior military officials of the two countries were also present on the occasion."
Opening ceremony of DRUZHBA - V held at Tarbela today. Pak-Russian Federation Special Forces are participating in two weeks long counter terrorism exercise. National anthems of both countries were played at the start of the ceremony. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/bgBKctv1zZ
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 8, 2020
It may be recalled that these exercises were started in 2016, the first part of which was hosted by Pakistan, while the second part was held in Russia.
The exercises are aimed at strengthening co-operation between the two countries' forces and exchanging professionalism, especially in the field of counter-terrorism.
Defense relations between Russia and Pakistan have grown since the signing of the 2014 Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The defense agreement called for enhanced co-operation between the two sides in the military sector, as well as international security and counter-terrorism measures.
The third chapter of the annual 'Druzhba (Friendship) -3' joint military exercise between the Pakistani and Russian forces began in 2018 at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
