By Dr. Syed Mehboob
Economic and Political Analyst
http//: www.thenewslark.com
email: drmehboob.thenewslark.com
Russia is an important political, economic, and military power. It is also an important global player in the power game. Russia is balancing worldwide power and playing a role in changing the world from unipolar to multipolar. It is in the interest of both countries to give importance to enhancing their relations and fortunately, there is a sense at very high levels on both sides.
Recently a parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Matvienk visited Pakistan. The delegation met with President Asif Al Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr. On the occasion, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties in the areas of trade, commerce, investment, agriculture, and energy for the mutual benefit of the two countries. President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the importance and need for strong relations between the two countries warmly welcomed the Russian delegation and expressed hope that the bilateral relations will further be strengthened. The meeting was also attended by the Senate Chairman Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Aimal Wali Khan, Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Senator Saleem H. Mandviwala, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, and other senior officials. The President also pointed out that both countries had enormous potential for increasing economic cooperation and called for Russian investment in Pakistan. He fondly recalled his recent pleasant interaction with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Ashgabat. He sought Russia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to become a member of BRICS. Both sides understand the importance of diversifying trade and economic cooperation, besides enhancing regional connectivity and commercial relations through the Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI) and the North-South Transport Corridor.
Ms. Valentine emphasized that her country accorded priority to its relationship with Pakistan and expressed confidence that her visit would further enhance bilateral cooperation. She hoped that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parliaments of the two countries would further deepen bilateral relations. She expressed her satisfaction over the growth in bilateral trade and also conveyed special greetings from President Putin. She also congratulated to Pakistan on the successful hosting of the SCO Heads of Government as well as Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). President Asif Ali Zardari expressed gratitude to Russia for its support of Pakistan’s candidacy.
Pakistan and the Russian Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase parliamentary cooperation at a ceremony held at the parliament house. This agreement is historical and promotes interaction between parliamentary friendship groups. Mr Yousaf Gilanai said that they are confident that the visit’s outcome would pave the way for a stronger, more meaningful inter-parliamentary and bilateral partnership between Pakistan and the Russian Federation in the years ahead. Ms. Valentina also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as well.
Pakistan and Russian trade have seen very positive indicators and Pakistan-Russia trade turnover grew by more than fifty percent and exceeded one billion dollars for the first time. It grew by another thirteen per cent in January-August this year. It has been pointed out that there are many areas of cooperation including energy and Agro-Industrial complex. Last year the first shipment of Russian crude oil arrived at the port of Karachi, and by the end of the year its share in Russian export to Pakistan exceeded twenty percent. Russia is continuously contributing to Pakistan’s food security and increased grain supplies to the Pakistani market. Russian farmers have harvested over 132 million tonnes of grain this year. Faiz Ahmed Faiz renowned poet and intellectual was a sincere friend of Russia and the parliamentary delegation from Russia admired and paid rich tribute to him. It is interesting to note that Faiz Ahmed Faiz translated Rasul Gamzatov ‘s poetry about the Russian great poet Alexander Pushkin and the defenders of Russia, Leningrad. Dr. Ludmela renowned Russian scholar translated Allama Iqbal and Faiz’s poetry from Urdu to the Russian language.
Besides the Russian parliamentary delegation visit in October, there was another highly important event took place. Pakistan and Russia have commenced a joint Military exercise codenamed Druzhba which means “Friendship”.
The drill was aimed at refining professional skills through joint training, besides harnessing the historicalmilitary-to-military relations between the two friendly countries. The two-week-long exercise commenced on October 13 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, with the participation of Light Commando Troops of the Pakistan Army and Russian Contingent. The Commandant National Counter Terrorism Centre graced the exercise’s opening ceremony as a chief guest.
Besides this Pakistan and Russia signed a very important agreement. This agreement was signed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexie Overchuk and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and has set the stage for enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, energy, connectivity and defence. The signing was followed by a meeting between Mr Overchuk and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where both sides reaffirmed the importance of expanding their relationship across multiple domains.
On 16th October 2024 was also an important date for the enhancement of Pakistan and Russian relations when Russian Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Islamabad to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO ) summit.
These high-level visits show the keen desire of both countries to enhance their bilateral relations and these relations are moving towards the right direction. Strong relations between Pakistan and Russia are the need of time and I am proud that I am part of these historical efforts and wish my name might be remembered in history as a friend of Russia.
