New Delhi/Moscow, Feb 2 (UNI) National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had extensive discussions with his Russian counterpart on various challenges to the region, especially terrorism and two sides resolve to work together to meet the menace. 'The two sides discussed issues of mutual bilateral, regional and global interest, with a special focus on security and defense cooperation between both sides,’’ the Ministry of External Affairs said here in a statement issued at the end of Mr Doval’s two-day visit to Moscow this week. The two countries noted with satisfaction, the ongoing cooperation between them in meeting threats to their national security, particularly those emanating from terrorism in their respective regions, and unequivocally reaffirmed their intention to continue to work together to confront these challenges, the MEA said. Mr Doval and his counterpart, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, on whose invitation he was in Russia on January 30-31, discussed further ways to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. They described the partnership as a great asset for the people of both the nation and a factor of peace and stability in the region and the world. The two sides also highly evaluated the plans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia in 2017, and pledged to make 2017 a special year in the history of their relations, the MEA said. More UNI NAZ SB ADG 1250