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The Chief of Army Staffs visit to Russia on 3 October corresponds with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Viktorovich visit to Pakistan for bilateral consultations on the same day. Both these visits are important not only in removing the apprehensions and fallouts of the cancellation of Mr Putins visit to Pakistan but also creating the much needed impression that Russia and Pakistan are determined to take forward their mutual relationshipdespite years of neglect in past for the collective benefit of both the countries as well as the region. Economic cooperation and peace and stability in the region seem to be the two vital areas in which both the States have agreed to cooperate.
Russia and Pakistan both are concerned with the likely future US strategy to manage the post 2014 stability in Afghanistan which has definite implications for both Russia and Pakistan. The manning of military bases with an appropriate force level by US may help improve security and shape the Afghan future but it may as well draw military actions from militant groups that may continue to refuse to accept the presence of foreign troops on Afghan soil. Anyhow, any scenario in which the military presence of US in Afghanistan is weak will mean return to the Afghanistan of 1990s. The consequences of which will have to be borne both by Russia and Pakistan.Russia does not want proliferation of conflict on its southern periphery. These conflicts may not be the external threats to Russias existence but Russia cannot afford to stay aloof from any developing conflicts especially when it has the military power and muscle to manage and control these conflicts in the region.
Military force in the context of a total or conventional war might rarely have to be used to prevent, or worse, put an end to such conflicts but its preparedness and the threat to use it will continue to guide and direct the behavior of the non state actors in Afghanistan. For such a threat to remain meaningful it is important that both Russian and Pakistan along with the participation of Afghanistan and Central Asian States like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan should jointly coordinate their actions for mutual benefits.
The role of Talibans and IMU (Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan) in the post draw down Afghanistan should be a matter of great concern to all the joint stake holders. The IMU has declared a jihad against the government of Uzbekistan with its ultimate goal being to overthrow the government and establishing an Islamic State. This makes them the ideological brothers of TTP (Tehreek e-Taliban Pakistan). Attacks planned and executed by IMU from Afghanistans territory on Uzbekistan in the North together with military operations being carried out by Talibans in the South is a security dilemma that may be warranting the attention of all who are looking at taking measures to create a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. The defensive/offensive actions as well as the likely restrictions/limitations that can be imposed to control the movements of the militants on the north and south borders of Afghanistan will remain as the most important common challenge.
Moscow regards NATOs superior strength in conventional forces as the external threat to Russia.Any US plans to occupy military bases in Afghanistan will not be welcomed by Russians.The strategic cooperation agreement that President Obama signed on May 1 2012 with Afghanistan committed US willingness to retain a military presence in country until 2024. With what force and by occupying how many military bases in Afghanistan no one is clear but what seems to be clear is that the growing Russian-Pakistani military and diplomatic cooperation may just be the outcome of the realization by Russia and Pakistan to build pressure on US to leave the region and leave the policing of the security in the region to the regional stakeholders alone. A very interesting twist in the new great game with hopefully positive outcomes for Pakistan.
Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has come out in full support of Pakistans stand on drone attacks, declaring that they violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state and are unacceptable. His views that solution of Afghanistans issue be home grown also coincide with our own assessment of the situation. At a joint press conference he addressed along with his Pakistan counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, both he and Ms Khar expressed their countries keen desire to strengthen ties between them; rather, they felt that these ties were already on the upswing.
The dismay that the unexpected cancellation of Russian President Vladimir Putins visit has caused among Pakistans political circles and even the general public has been somewhat allayed by the three visits that went ahead as scheduled. First, it was a high-powered delegation that came to Islamabad and signed memorandums of understanding about three important sectors of our economy: expansion and modernisation of Pakistan Steel Mills, cooperation in the Railways and in energy. Right on the heels of this delegations visit, COAS General Ashfaq Kayani flew to Moscow to confer with the Russian army top brass and the ruling politicians on the ways to develop defence ties between the two countries. While he is still there, Foreign Minister Lavrov, who is considered highly influential in the Kremlin, arrived and held meetings with Ms Khar and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on matters of common interest, which if pursued diligently would result in the strengthening of relations between Pakistan and Russia.
One would assume that the interchange of ideas on widening the scope of bilateral cooperation that these meetings have made possible would be helpful in lessening the strains that certain unfortunate historical events had created and bringing the two neighbouring countries closer. Yet, one would very much hope that the visit of President Putin takes place sooner rather than later to give a real push to these welcome developments. There have been speculations that the visit was put off following Indian intervention, maintaining that Pakistan was not a trustworthy friend, it is closely tied to the US and might betray Russia once again. Our leadership should, in their interactions with the Russians, assure them of our genuine desire to develop relations with Moscow and lessen reliance on Washington. The policymakers in Russia themselves realise that the geopolitical realities of today necessitate that the both bury the rancour of the past and sincerely work towards a lasting equation to their benefit. That would greatly help in the return of stable conditions not only in Afghanistan, but in the region as a whole. The present opportunity ought not be missed.
Russias Foreign Minister visits Pakistan to enhance ties
Russia is a guarantor of stability for Pakistan, the countrys Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar stated in Islamabad when meeting with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. She also said that the countries share similar a stance on a number of regional and global issues, including Syria and Afghanistan.
Lavrovs trip to Afghanistan wasnt just a friendly gesture as Russia and Pakistan are seeking joint understanding on the after-Afghan withdrawal scenario. The issue is quite burning as the entire region will be under threat after the Coalition troops leave Afghanistan in 2014, says senior research fellow at the Institute for World Economy and International Relations Pyotr Topychkanov.
Russia and Pakistan need to work on joint actions as they will be the first affected by the withdrawal as well as Afghanistans neighboring countries. Russia and Pakistan also have common interests in economy and trade and need to boost their turnover. A number of Russian companies are interested in enhancing ties in energy, transport, infrastructure and communications while Pakistan eyes Russian military hardware, mainly helicopters and transport vehicles. Pakistani engineer troops are crucial for both security and civil defense as they clear up the aftermaths of frequent floods and build new roads in the country.
Recently, Pakistans Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Moscow proving Pakistans interest in military cooperation and Russias readiness for it, says the head of the Center of Socio-Political Research, Vladimir Evseev.
Russia might begin working with Pakistan the same as it does with other countries, that is providing loans to purchase weapons. Pakistan is highly interested in anti-missile defense systems which Russia has.
Pakistan has been trying to bridge military and technical cooperation with Russia for a long time but this was hampered by one of Russias key partners, India. Now experts believe that Russia is likely to revise its approach though India.
Russia backs Islamabad anti-drug conference
Russia supports the idea of convening an anti-drug conference in Pakistan, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Islamabad on Thursday.
He added that high on the conferences agenda should be boosting the effectiveness of steps to contain Afghan drug trafficking.
According to Lavrov, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization that groups Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China may add significantly to resolving this problem.
The Islamabad conference was earlier initiated by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.
Russias principled position on drone terror
RUSSIA, for the last several weeks, is beaming out positive signals towards Pakistan that augur well for strengthening of the bilateral ties. The goodwill gestures emanating from Moscow have served as an expression of solidarity with Pakistan which is passing through a critical juncture of its history.
Though it was generally believed that the postponement of the visit of the Russian President to Pakistan has dealt a severe blow to the prospects of consolidating relations between the two countries but visit of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has compensated for that loss to great extent. The discussions held between the two foreign ministers as well as meeting of Mr Lavrov with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has paved the way for closer understanding on a number of political and economic issues with bright prospects for meaningful cooperation in future, which is a consensus desire in Pakistan. It is also evident from the language used in the official hand out issued after meeting of Lavrov with the Prime Minister that the issue of awarding important projects to Russia is also being handled in an appropriate manner and that would remove the obvious irritant in fostering relations. Already there is understanding on cooperation in areas like expansion and modernization of Pakistan Steel Mills, Railway sector and in the field of energy. But the most important aspect of the visit of the Russian Foreign Minister was his categorical stance on drone attacks that has sent a loud and clear message of solidarity with people of Pakistan. Lavrov backed Pakistans position by forcefully arguing that violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state was unacceptable. This is the essence of the drone issue and we are glad that the Russian Federation is alive to the situation. There is already growing awareness in the world that these attacks are illegal and counter productive and hopefully the stance of Russia would encourage other silent spectators to add their voice against this type of terror. Pakistan is victim of terrorism of different kinds and is suffering hugely on this account as there is no difference in killing of innocent people in a bomb blast or drone strike. Terrorism in any form is condemnable and the international community should call a spade a spade.
Reorientation of Pak-Russian Relationship
Recently, Pakistans analysts made misperceived speculations about the postponement of Russian President Vladimir Putins scheduled visit to Islamabad. He had to participate in the summit, comprising Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which was also cancelled.
Some political experts said that President Putin cancelled his visit because Russia which was not included in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline has shown interest in the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project without an international tendering process, but Islamabad refused. Some of them presumed that the US and India which are against Pak-Russian growing ties might have played their role regarding cancellation of his trip.
However, these speculations proved untrue when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Islamabad on October 3 and on the same day, Pakistans Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani left for Moscow. The main aim of these visits is the reorientation of Pak-Russian Relationship by concluding strategic partnership in the long run.
Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on October 4, Russian counterpart Lavrov said that the two countries had detailed discussions on bilateral relations. Both the ministers agreed that they have common goals on regional and current global challenges.
Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia supports Pakistans stance on Afghanistan by pointing out that any solution imposed from outside would not work there. And there should be national reconciliation and the process should be driven by Afghans themselves for durable peace and stability. Lavrov also opposed CIA-operated drone strikes against Pakistan. Khar also expressed similar views.
About postponement of President Putins visit, Lavrov clarified that Putin has already conveyed to President Zardari that he was unable to visit Pakistan due to tough schedule.
Recently, both the countries have signed three agreements (as part of MOUs), and Moscow will cooperate in moderanisation of Pakistan Steel Mills, the up-gradation of Pakistan Railways and enhancing power generation.
Besides, recently, the two countries held their second inter-governmental commission (IGC) on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation in Islamabad and discussed concrete proposals in various areas of cooperation.
It is mentionable that we cannot see Pak-Russia new relationship in isolation as both the countries need each others assistance due to emerging geo-political scenario in the world, focusing on Afghanistan, while Pakistan has become special arena of the major countiries rivalries.
During his Asia visit, on June 2, this year, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta disclosed, The United States will shift a majority of its warships to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 as part of a new US military strategy in Asia. The main is to counterbalance China in Asia.
While Russia opposes US intentions to deploy national missile defence system (NMD) in Europe, and expansion of NATO towards Eastern Europe. In this backdrop, the Russian President Putin had openly stated that his country was returning to its Soviet era practice.
Besides, some other developments like rejection of US-led western sanctions against China by Russia and Iran, their joint veto of UN Security Council resolution against Syria and Turkeys increase of trade with Iran indicates new shift in world politics. Meanwhile, Moscow and Beijing have asked the US to resolve the question of Irans nuclear programme peacefully. But America and Israel are still acting upon a war-like diplomacy against Tehran.
Notably, it is also owing to the Pakistans province of Balochistan where China has invested billion of dollars to develop Gwadar seaport which could link Central Asian trade with rest of the world irritates US and India. Therefore, their secret agencies have been destabilising Balochistan and other cities of Pakistan including Iranian Sistan through various subversive activities.
Pakistan also rejected American duress in relation to IP gas pipeline, and is no more interested in the US-supported gas pipeline TAP.
Taking note of US anti-Pakistan plans such as drone attacks, pressure to launch military operation in North Waziristan etc., besides China, Pakistan has also cultivated its relationship with the Russian Federation. In 2010, President Putin publicly endorsed Pakistan bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which includes Russia, China, four Central Asian Republics as permenent members, and Pakistan and Iran as observers. Putin also remarked that Pakistan was very important partner for Moscow in South Asia and the Muslim world. Notably, during her trip to Moscow on February 9, 2011, Foreign Minister Khar stated that SCO was an exceptionally important forum within the region to counter regional challenges.
Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari participated in the 12th summit of the Shanghai SCO recently held in Beijing. In their speeches, hinting towards US secret designs, Chinese president Hu Jintao and President Putin stated, Only when SCO member states remain united can they effectively cope with emerging challengesenhancing security cooperation.
In various summits, the SCO leaders displayed strength against the US rising dominance in the region and military presence in Afghanistan, near Central Asia.
Nevertheless, Russia has offered Pakistan counter-terrorism equipments. When Russian military Chief Col-Gen. Alexander Postnikov visited Pakistan in May 2011, he even discussed with Gen. Kayanithe possibility of expanding defence ties by holding joint military exercises, exchanging trainees and trainers and selling and buying weapons. In this context, Gen. Kayanis four day trip to Russia has consolidated progress in defence cooperation as his Russian counterpart gave a positive response.
Nonetheless, after the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan in 2014, US which signed an agreement of partnership with Kabul, has decided to establish six military bases in that country having eyes on the energy resources of Central Asia, with multiple strategic aims against Pakistan, China, Iran and Russia. US also encouraged India to take a more active role in Afghanistan. However, Moscow wants to get more involved in regional affairs to counterbalance growing influence of US in Afghanistan. It knows that due to its strategic geo-political location, Pakistan can play a key role in Afghanistan for Russian interests. So, Pak-Russian reorientation of relationship is owing to the emerging geo-political scenario.
Russia and Pakistan both are concerned with the likely future US strategy to manage the post 2014 stability in Afghanistan which has definite implications for both Russia and Pakistan. The manning of military bases with an appropriate force level by US may help improve security and shape the Afghan future but it may as well draw military actions from militant groups that may continue to refuse to accept the presence of foreign troops on Afghan soil. Anyhow, any scenario in which the military presence of US in Afghanistan is weak will mean return to the Afghanistan of 1990s. The consequences of which will have to be borne both by Russia and Pakistan.Russia does not want proliferation of conflict on its southern periphery. These conflicts may not be the external threats to Russias existence but Russia cannot afford to stay aloof from any developing conflicts especially when it has the military power and muscle to manage and control these conflicts in the region.
Military force in the context of a total or conventional war might rarely have to be used to prevent, or worse, put an end to such conflicts but its preparedness and the threat to use it will continue to guide and direct the behavior of the non state actors in Afghanistan. For such a threat to remain meaningful it is important that both Russian and Pakistan along with the participation of Afghanistan and Central Asian States like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan should jointly coordinate their actions for mutual benefits.
The role of Talibans and IMU (Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan) in the post draw down Afghanistan should be a matter of great concern to all the joint stake holders. The IMU has declared a jihad against the government of Uzbekistan with its ultimate goal being to overthrow the government and establishing an Islamic State. This makes them the ideological brothers of TTP (Tehreek e-Taliban Pakistan). Attacks planned and executed by IMU from Afghanistans territory on Uzbekistan in the North together with military operations being carried out by Talibans in the South is a security dilemma that may be warranting the attention of all who are looking at taking measures to create a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. The defensive/offensive actions as well as the likely restrictions/limitations that can be imposed to control the movements of the militants on the north and south borders of Afghanistan will remain as the most important common challenge.
Moscow regards NATOs superior strength in conventional forces as the external threat to Russia.Any US plans to occupy military bases in Afghanistan will not be welcomed by Russians.The strategic cooperation agreement that President Obama signed on May 1 2012 with Afghanistan committed US willingness to retain a military presence in country until 2024. With what force and by occupying how many military bases in Afghanistan no one is clear but what seems to be clear is that the growing Russian-Pakistani military and diplomatic cooperation may just be the outcome of the realization by Russia and Pakistan to build pressure on US to leave the region and leave the policing of the security in the region to the regional stakeholders alone. A very interesting twist in the new great game with hopefully positive outcomes for Pakistan.
Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has come out in full support of Pakistans stand on drone attacks, declaring that they violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state and are unacceptable. His views that solution of Afghanistans issue be home grown also coincide with our own assessment of the situation. At a joint press conference he addressed along with his Pakistan counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, both he and Ms Khar expressed their countries keen desire to strengthen ties between them; rather, they felt that these ties were already on the upswing.
The dismay that the unexpected cancellation of Russian President Vladimir Putins visit has caused among Pakistans political circles and even the general public has been somewhat allayed by the three visits that went ahead as scheduled. First, it was a high-powered delegation that came to Islamabad and signed memorandums of understanding about three important sectors of our economy: expansion and modernisation of Pakistan Steel Mills, cooperation in the Railways and in energy. Right on the heels of this delegations visit, COAS General Ashfaq Kayani flew to Moscow to confer with the Russian army top brass and the ruling politicians on the ways to develop defence ties between the two countries. While he is still there, Foreign Minister Lavrov, who is considered highly influential in the Kremlin, arrived and held meetings with Ms Khar and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on matters of common interest, which if pursued diligently would result in the strengthening of relations between Pakistan and Russia.
One would assume that the interchange of ideas on widening the scope of bilateral cooperation that these meetings have made possible would be helpful in lessening the strains that certain unfortunate historical events had created and bringing the two neighbouring countries closer. Yet, one would very much hope that the visit of President Putin takes place sooner rather than later to give a real push to these welcome developments. There have been speculations that the visit was put off following Indian intervention, maintaining that Pakistan was not a trustworthy friend, it is closely tied to the US and might betray Russia once again. Our leadership should, in their interactions with the Russians, assure them of our genuine desire to develop relations with Moscow and lessen reliance on Washington. The policymakers in Russia themselves realise that the geopolitical realities of today necessitate that the both bury the rancour of the past and sincerely work towards a lasting equation to their benefit. That would greatly help in the return of stable conditions not only in Afghanistan, but in the region as a whole. The present opportunity ought not be missed.
Russias Foreign Minister visits Pakistan to enhance ties
Russia is a guarantor of stability for Pakistan, the countrys Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar stated in Islamabad when meeting with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. She also said that the countries share similar a stance on a number of regional and global issues, including Syria and Afghanistan.
Lavrovs trip to Afghanistan wasnt just a friendly gesture as Russia and Pakistan are seeking joint understanding on the after-Afghan withdrawal scenario. The issue is quite burning as the entire region will be under threat after the Coalition troops leave Afghanistan in 2014, says senior research fellow at the Institute for World Economy and International Relations Pyotr Topychkanov.
Russia and Pakistan need to work on joint actions as they will be the first affected by the withdrawal as well as Afghanistans neighboring countries. Russia and Pakistan also have common interests in economy and trade and need to boost their turnover. A number of Russian companies are interested in enhancing ties in energy, transport, infrastructure and communications while Pakistan eyes Russian military hardware, mainly helicopters and transport vehicles. Pakistani engineer troops are crucial for both security and civil defense as they clear up the aftermaths of frequent floods and build new roads in the country.
Recently, Pakistans Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Moscow proving Pakistans interest in military cooperation and Russias readiness for it, says the head of the Center of Socio-Political Research, Vladimir Evseev.
Russia might begin working with Pakistan the same as it does with other countries, that is providing loans to purchase weapons. Pakistan is highly interested in anti-missile defense systems which Russia has.
Pakistan has been trying to bridge military and technical cooperation with Russia for a long time but this was hampered by one of Russias key partners, India. Now experts believe that Russia is likely to revise its approach though India.
Russia backs Islamabad anti-drug conference
Russia supports the idea of convening an anti-drug conference in Pakistan, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Islamabad on Thursday.
He added that high on the conferences agenda should be boosting the effectiveness of steps to contain Afghan drug trafficking.
According to Lavrov, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization that groups Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China may add significantly to resolving this problem.
The Islamabad conference was earlier initiated by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.
Russias principled position on drone terror
RUSSIA, for the last several weeks, is beaming out positive signals towards Pakistan that augur well for strengthening of the bilateral ties. The goodwill gestures emanating from Moscow have served as an expression of solidarity with Pakistan which is passing through a critical juncture of its history.
Though it was generally believed that the postponement of the visit of the Russian President to Pakistan has dealt a severe blow to the prospects of consolidating relations between the two countries but visit of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has compensated for that loss to great extent. The discussions held between the two foreign ministers as well as meeting of Mr Lavrov with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has paved the way for closer understanding on a number of political and economic issues with bright prospects for meaningful cooperation in future, which is a consensus desire in Pakistan. It is also evident from the language used in the official hand out issued after meeting of Lavrov with the Prime Minister that the issue of awarding important projects to Russia is also being handled in an appropriate manner and that would remove the obvious irritant in fostering relations. Already there is understanding on cooperation in areas like expansion and modernization of Pakistan Steel Mills, Railway sector and in the field of energy. But the most important aspect of the visit of the Russian Foreign Minister was his categorical stance on drone attacks that has sent a loud and clear message of solidarity with people of Pakistan. Lavrov backed Pakistans position by forcefully arguing that violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state was unacceptable. This is the essence of the drone issue and we are glad that the Russian Federation is alive to the situation. There is already growing awareness in the world that these attacks are illegal and counter productive and hopefully the stance of Russia would encourage other silent spectators to add their voice against this type of terror. Pakistan is victim of terrorism of different kinds and is suffering hugely on this account as there is no difference in killing of innocent people in a bomb blast or drone strike. Terrorism in any form is condemnable and the international community should call a spade a spade.
Reorientation of Pak-Russian Relationship
Recently, Pakistans analysts made misperceived speculations about the postponement of Russian President Vladimir Putins scheduled visit to Islamabad. He had to participate in the summit, comprising Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which was also cancelled.
Some political experts said that President Putin cancelled his visit because Russia which was not included in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline has shown interest in the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project without an international tendering process, but Islamabad refused. Some of them presumed that the US and India which are against Pak-Russian growing ties might have played their role regarding cancellation of his trip.
However, these speculations proved untrue when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Islamabad on October 3 and on the same day, Pakistans Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani left for Moscow. The main aim of these visits is the reorientation of Pak-Russian Relationship by concluding strategic partnership in the long run.
Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on October 4, Russian counterpart Lavrov said that the two countries had detailed discussions on bilateral relations. Both the ministers agreed that they have common goals on regional and current global challenges.
Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia supports Pakistans stance on Afghanistan by pointing out that any solution imposed from outside would not work there. And there should be national reconciliation and the process should be driven by Afghans themselves for durable peace and stability. Lavrov also opposed CIA-operated drone strikes against Pakistan. Khar also expressed similar views.
About postponement of President Putins visit, Lavrov clarified that Putin has already conveyed to President Zardari that he was unable to visit Pakistan due to tough schedule.
Recently, both the countries have signed three agreements (as part of MOUs), and Moscow will cooperate in moderanisation of Pakistan Steel Mills, the up-gradation of Pakistan Railways and enhancing power generation.
Besides, recently, the two countries held their second inter-governmental commission (IGC) on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation in Islamabad and discussed concrete proposals in various areas of cooperation.
It is mentionable that we cannot see Pak-Russia new relationship in isolation as both the countries need each others assistance due to emerging geo-political scenario in the world, focusing on Afghanistan, while Pakistan has become special arena of the major countiries rivalries.
During his Asia visit, on June 2, this year, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta disclosed, The United States will shift a majority of its warships to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 as part of a new US military strategy in Asia. The main is to counterbalance China in Asia.
While Russia opposes US intentions to deploy national missile defence system (NMD) in Europe, and expansion of NATO towards Eastern Europe. In this backdrop, the Russian President Putin had openly stated that his country was returning to its Soviet era practice.
Besides, some other developments like rejection of US-led western sanctions against China by Russia and Iran, their joint veto of UN Security Council resolution against Syria and Turkeys increase of trade with Iran indicates new shift in world politics. Meanwhile, Moscow and Beijing have asked the US to resolve the question of Irans nuclear programme peacefully. But America and Israel are still acting upon a war-like diplomacy against Tehran.
Notably, it is also owing to the Pakistans province of Balochistan where China has invested billion of dollars to develop Gwadar seaport which could link Central Asian trade with rest of the world irritates US and India. Therefore, their secret agencies have been destabilising Balochistan and other cities of Pakistan including Iranian Sistan through various subversive activities.
Pakistan also rejected American duress in relation to IP gas pipeline, and is no more interested in the US-supported gas pipeline TAP.
Taking note of US anti-Pakistan plans such as drone attacks, pressure to launch military operation in North Waziristan etc., besides China, Pakistan has also cultivated its relationship with the Russian Federation. In 2010, President Putin publicly endorsed Pakistan bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which includes Russia, China, four Central Asian Republics as permenent members, and Pakistan and Iran as observers. Putin also remarked that Pakistan was very important partner for Moscow in South Asia and the Muslim world. Notably, during her trip to Moscow on February 9, 2011, Foreign Minister Khar stated that SCO was an exceptionally important forum within the region to counter regional challenges.
Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari participated in the 12th summit of the Shanghai SCO recently held in Beijing. In their speeches, hinting towards US secret designs, Chinese president Hu Jintao and President Putin stated, Only when SCO member states remain united can they effectively cope with emerging challengesenhancing security cooperation.
In various summits, the SCO leaders displayed strength against the US rising dominance in the region and military presence in Afghanistan, near Central Asia.
Nevertheless, Russia has offered Pakistan counter-terrorism equipments. When Russian military Chief Col-Gen. Alexander Postnikov visited Pakistan in May 2011, he even discussed with Gen. Kayanithe possibility of expanding defence ties by holding joint military exercises, exchanging trainees and trainers and selling and buying weapons. In this context, Gen. Kayanis four day trip to Russia has consolidated progress in defence cooperation as his Russian counterpart gave a positive response.
Nonetheless, after the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan in 2014, US which signed an agreement of partnership with Kabul, has decided to establish six military bases in that country having eyes on the energy resources of Central Asia, with multiple strategic aims against Pakistan, China, Iran and Russia. US also encouraged India to take a more active role in Afghanistan. However, Moscow wants to get more involved in regional affairs to counterbalance growing influence of US in Afghanistan. It knows that due to its strategic geo-political location, Pakistan can play a key role in Afghanistan for Russian interests. So, Pak-Russian reorientation of relationship is owing to the emerging geo-political scenario.
In next few minute he explains India-Russia's deep relations.
... Interesting , huh ?
