Moscow: Russia would not go for any improvement in relations with Pakistan at the cost of Moscow's traditional allies in the region, Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Losyukov has said.

"Russia intends to further advance the joint work with the Pakistani side to remove existing differences, move towards development of multi-plan and mutually beneficial ties, but of course, not at the cost of our traditionalpartners," Losyukov said in an interview to reporter ahead of Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov's South Asia tour.

Ivanov is leaving for the sub-continent on June 14 during which he is scheduled to spend a day in Islamabad and two nights in New Delhi. This would be first visit of Russian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in 10 years, since Andrei Kozyrev visited Islamabad in 1993.

"During talks in Islamabad the Russian side will reiterate its known concerns regarding threats of terrorism, extremism and illegal drug trade emanating from the direction of Afghanistan and Pakistan," Losukov said.

According to Losyukov, Russia gives 'its due' to Pakistan for its participation in US-led anti-terror operation in Afghanistan and steps taken by President Pervez Musharraf's administration to neutralise the activities of militant Islamists in the country.

"Moscow expects Islamabad to consistently fulfil all the obligations taken by it for combating terrorism and religious extremism," he said.

PTI