PM Imran to visit Russia this month

PM Imran to visit Russia this month​

Premier’s position towards West increasingly becoming defiant

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Rizwan Shehzad February 07, 2022

PHOTO: APP

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ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s position toward the West is becoming increasingly defiant as he set to visit Russia from February 23 to 25 after completing his “historic visit to China” and attending the Beijing Olympics, which the US and several other western countries had boycotted.

Diplomatic sources confirmed on Sunday evening that the premier was expected to undertake the “all crucial” visit of Moscow in the last week of February -- the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades. Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry refrained from confirming the development, saying that the foreign affairs ministry should be approached for this purpose.

The premier’s visit to Moscow is believed to be a clear signal to the West, especially after he clearly said “absolutely not” to Washington on giving bases in Pakistan following its withdrawal from Afghanistan and not receiving a phone call from US President Joe Biden since he assumed his office in the White House.
“Prime Minister Imran’s visit under the current circumstances is crucial,” a diplomat told The Express Tribune, requesting anonymity, while referring to the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine and ultimately between Moscow and the West.

The diplomat further said PM Imran and Russian President Vladimir Putin would exchange views on bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. Recently, PM Imran while speaking to President Putin had lauded his statement on the issue of blasphemy.

In a telephonic conversation with Putin on January 17, PM Imran had underscored that Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with Russia was on an upward trajectory, with an increased focus on trade and economic ties and energy cooperation. He had reiterated the government’s resolve for early realisation of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project. According to PM Imran, he and Putin had agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in different areas, increase high-level exchanges, and remain in close contact on matters relating to Afghanistan.

PM Imran had underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was pivotal for regional stability.
The official statement had attributed to the prime minister that he looked forward to President Putin’s visit to Pakistan as well as his own visit to Russia at an appropriate time. Now, the diplomatic sources have confirmed that the dates had been finalised and PM Imran and President Putin would be standing together in the last week of February if there are no last minute changes.

Following the diplomatic dispute between Russia and the West on Ukraine, Moscow has reoriented trade, seeking to replace Western imports and reducing its use of the US dollar. Putin’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping was also taken as a show of unity amid Moscow’s deteriorating relations with the West.
Last month, it was reported that Islamabad and Moscow were in talks to finalise a plan for what would be a landmark visit of the Russian president to Pakistan this year.

The visit was being discussed by the two sides for the last two years but could not be materialised because of a variety of reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic. For the visit, Moscow wanted to have something “significant” ready before Putin finally undertook his trip to Pakistan.

PM Imran to visit Russia this month | The Express Tribune

Premier’s position towards West increasingly becoming defiant

tribune.com.pk

 

[MH.Yang]

it is possible if they are willing to shell out $80-100 million for an aircraft with export grade avionics & weapons (read:Inferior)

It does not make much sense to me for PAF to get Russian fighters.
PAF is well integrated into the Chinese fighter ecosystem through the production of JF17s.
If PAF ever feels dire need for a heavy 4++ gen fighter, J-16 would be the logical choice.
I know J-16 is not up for export yet but China can make an exception for Pakistan in the future if they insist.

You misunderstood, I mean Su-35 in China. China has 24 Su-35.

If Russia does not object, China can let these Su-35 use AESA and PL-15, even PL-2X.

 

[Destranator]

You misunderstood, I mean Su-35 in China. China has 24 Su-35.

If Russia does not object, China can let these Su-35 use AESA and PL-15, even PL-2X.

But is it really necessary to go through the pain of integrating these systems with Su-35 given that J-16 is already in service?

 

[WinterFangs]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1496820169770995712

 

[MH.Yang]

But is it really necessary to go through the pain of integrating these systems with Su-35 given that J-16 is already in service?

Russia will not allow China to sell J16. If China sells J16, Russia's flankers will lose the market.

 

[Riz]

 

[graphican]

A story told by photos. Different heads of states visited Russia recently.

 

[niaz]

My views are in agreement with those who think that timing of the visit was most inappropriate. Understand after failing to meet with Putin at the Winter Olympics, GOP asked for this meeting. If would make no difference whether Imran Khan met with Putin or not because If anyone thinks that Russia would give preference to Pakistan over India, is severely mistaken.
Since Pakistan is not even worth a Biden phone call; it matters very little to the USA. However, it is very important for Pakistan to have good relations with the European Union which is in the process of applying drastic sanction on Russia.

Whichever way I look at it, this visit would harm Pakistani interests far more than its benefits. All except die-hard PTI lovers would agree that Pakistani PM visiting Russia at the the time that Putin has invaded a Pakistani friendly country (T-80 and Alkhalid) indicates complete lack of international diplomatic acumen.

 

[RIP Pak LAW]

My views are in agreement with those who think that timing of the visit was most inappropriate. Understand after failing to meet with Putin at the Winter Olympics, GOP asked for this meeting. If would make no difference whether Imran Khan met with Putin or not because If anyone thinks that Russia would give preference to Pakistan over India, is severely mistaken.
Since Pakistan is not even worth a Biden phone call; it matters very little to the USA. However, it is very important for Pakistan to have good relations with the European Union which is in the process of applying drastic sanction on Russia.

Whichever way I look at it, this visit would harm Pakistani interests far more than its benefits. All except die-hard PTI lovers would agree that Pakistani PM visiting Russia at the the time that Putin has invaded a Pakistani friendly country (T-80 and Alkhalid) indicates complete lack of international diplomatic acumen.

Relax sir, nothing spectular is expected from the meeting outcome. Just a courtesy meeting to reset ties. Nothing strategic is on the schedule.

 

[Dil_Pakistan]

Relax sir, nothing spectular is expected from the meeting outcome. Just a courtesy meeting to reset ties. Nothing strategic is on the schedule.

Also the meeting was set before, not arranged post Olympics, it was for long on cards. If i am not wrong, last year in btw sept-oct there had been couple of phone calls exchanged between the two leaders and i think they had extended invitation to visit each others country since then, so this meeting was since sometime coming.

 

[RIP Pak LAW]

If IK had dropped this meeting over Ukraine issue, than Russia would had not invited any Pakistani PM to Moscow for the next 10 years (or more) and same political pandits would had ridiculed IK over a diplomatic blunder which was an opportunity to reset the ties with Russia finally after 40 years. Also what message we would had given to China, who is a close friend to Russia.

 

[hydrabadi_arab]

My views are in agreement with those who think that timing of the visit was most inappropriate. Understand after failing to meet with Putin at the Winter Olympics, GOP asked for this meeting. If would make no difference whether Imran Khan met with Putin or not because If anyone thinks that Russia would give preference to Pakistan over India, is severely mistaken.
Since Pakistan is not even worth a Biden phone call; it matters very little to the USA. However, it is very important for Pakistan to have good relations with the European Union which is in the process of applying drastic sanction on Russia.

Whichever way I look at it, this visit would harm Pakistani interests far more than its benefits. All except die-hard PTI lovers would agree that Pakistani PM visiting Russia at the the time that Putin has invaded a Pakistani friendly country (T-80 and Alkhalid) indicates complete lack of international diplomatic acumen.

I don't think it matters. Pakistan will always follow western camp when it comes to sanctions, see Iran pipeline. It didn't go anywhere. And for good reason, 80% of our exports are to USA/EU. They are also huge source of remittances.

 

[IceCold]

These authors are moron of the highest order. Someone should ask these so called experts if Russia wasn't looking towards this trip of PM khan, would Russia role a red carpet welcome?
Russia was India's largest defense partner, however that is now in the past. Russia is fully aware of India becoming part of QUAD. Russia is also a strong ally of China whom Pakistan is also a strong ally of. It was only natural for Russia and Pakistan to come closer.
These paid media presstitutes will even declare their own birth ill time if shown right amount of dollars.

 

[Blueskiez 2001]

very good analysis of Dr. Moeed Pirzada

And NO pakistan is not buying any military hardware for now from Russia

 

[Dalit]

These authors are moron of the highest order. Someone should ask these so called experts if Russia wasn't looking towards this trip of PM khan, would Russia role a red carpet welcome?
Russia was India's largest defense partner, however that is now in the past. Russia is fully aware of India becoming part of QUAD. Russia is also a strong ally of China whom Pakistan is also a strong ally of. It was only natural for Russia and Pakistan to come closer.
These paid media presstitutes will even declare their own birth ill time if shown right amount of dollars.

ANI says it all. It is Indian reporting.

 

[monitor]