Pakistan and the Russian Federation are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, today. To mark this milestone occasion, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov exchanged letters of felicitations.
Pakistan and Russia enjoy close, multidimensional relations based on mutual goodwill and trust. Bilateral ties are marked by cooperation in diverse areas, including economics, energy, and security. The two countries also consult at various multilateral fora on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
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Pakistan-Russia history
Pakistan-Russia relations have a complex history, marked by periods of both cooperation and tension. The two countries first established diplomatic ties in 1948, but their relationship was strained during the Cold War era, as Pakistan aligned itself with the United States and was a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), which were seen as anti-Soviet alliances.
However, since the end of the Cold War, Pakistan-Russia relations have undergone a significant transformation, with both countries seeking to deepen their ties on multiple fronts. In recent years, there has been a steady growth in bilateral trade and commerce, with both countries exploring opportunities for investment and business cooperation.
Defense and military cooperation between the two countries have also been on the rise. Russia has emerged as an important supplier of military hardware to Pakistan. In 2016, Pakistan and Russia conducted their first-ever joint military exercise, signaling a significant improvement in bilateral ties.
Moreover, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Russia have also gained momentum, with both countries recognizing the importance of promoting cultural understanding and cooperation. A number of initiatives have been launched to increase tourism.
Pakistan-Russia relations have come a long way since their tumultuous past
While there may still be challenges to overcome, both countries appear committed to building a more stable and cooperative partnership. With their shared interests in regional stability, economic growth, and security, Pakistan and Russia have much to gain from working together in the years to come.
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Here are some possible ways forward for Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations:
Economic cooperation: Both countries can explore new areas of economic cooperation, such as energy, infrastructure development, and trade. Pakistan’s strategic location can serve as a gateway for Russian businesses to access South Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Military cooperation: Pakistan and Russia can strengthen their military cooperation by exchanging military equipment, conducting joint military exercises, and sharing intelligence. This can help both countries in countering terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
People-to-people contacts: Pakistan and Russia can encourage more people-to-people contacts through cultural exchanges, tourism, and educational collaborations. This can help in promoting mutual understanding and building long-lasting ties between the two nations.
Diplomatic engagement: Pakistan and Russia can increase their diplomatic engagement by holding regular high-level visits, meetings, and consultations. This can help in addressing mutual concerns and resolving issues that may arise in their bilateral relations.
Regional cooperation: Both countries can work together to promote regional cooperation and stability, particularly in the context of the Afghanistan peace process. Pakistan can play a constructive role in bringing Russia closer to other regional powers, such as China and Iran, for the benefit of all parties involved.
SCO Platform: Pakistan is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which can be utilized as a platform for strengthening ties. It is an excellent opportunity to promote understanding, harmony, and regional integrity. Pakistan is an active member and participates proactively.
Pakistan and Russia have the potential to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship based on common interests and respect for each other’s sovereignty. It will require sustained efforts from both sides to overcome past mistrust and build a foundation for a more cooperative and prosperous future.
Both nations are sharing common issues and challenges and need to cooperate with each other to overcome them. Sanctions are a common ground where both countries often faced Western-imposed sanctions, and need to support each other to overcome jointly. Both nations are striving to mend their economies and need to utilize each other’s strengths and supplement each other’s shortfalls. Russia is rich in energy and Pakistan is facing a severe shortage of Energy, whereas, Pakistan being an agricultural country can assist Russia in ensuring food security. The real potential of bilateral relations is huge and need to struggle to avail full potential.
Pakistan-Russia relations are bilateral in nature and aimed to benefit mutually. Our relations are no threat to any third country. In fact, close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Russia are in the best interest of the region and geopolitics. Close cooperation will promote stability, development, and prosperity in the entire region.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).