DESPITE clouds on the geo-political front, the two-day visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Moscow would, hopefully, go a long way in realizing the true potential of bilateral cooperation in different spheres of life.
His lengthy talks with President Vladimir Putin, which lasted three hours instead of originally planned one hour, meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and an interactive session with notable businessmen of Pakistan and Russia over the dinner reflected the commitment of the leadership of the two countries to consolidate ties in various fields to the mutual advantage.
Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also had a productive meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov where the two sides reached an understanding to diversify their mutual cooperation.
The very fact that despite exigencies of the war, the Russian President spent three hours with the Pakistani leader to discuss ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations speaks volumes about the desire of Moscow to build strong ties with Pakistan.
The two sides discussed regional and international issues of interest as well but understandably their focus was on promoting economic ties and in this regard the Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-Stream Gas Pipeline as a flagship economic project between Pakistan and Russia and also discussed cooperation on prospective energy-related projects.
Russia has repeatedly been making offers for funding and execution of critical regional energy corridors as well as projects aimed at developing the domestic oil and gas sector of Pakistan and it is hoped that the visit would give an impetus to cooperation in this field.
Though no clear position is available but there are bright chances that hiccup in initiating the gas pipeline project would be removed at the earliest.
There are also concerns that the project might be hit by the latest US and Western sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian conflict but a way-out can be found given there is commitment to implement it.
The Prime Minister, who has been strongly advocating the cause of Afghan people, also discussed the latest humanitarian situation in the neighbouring country with the Russian President.
He underlined the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and preventing potential economic meltdown in Afghanistan, adding Pakistan would continue to work with the international community for a stable, peaceful and connected Afghanistan.
In this regard, he underscored the ongoing cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Russia at various international and regional fora, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
It is satisfying that together with China, Pakistan and Russia have almost similar views on the Afghan issue and rightly so as being neighbours they have to bear the consequences of prolonged instability and insecurity in Afghanistan.
There is legitimate concern that outside powers should not interfere in regional affairs.
The Prime Minister, true to his commitment to the cause of Kashmiris, also raised the issue meaningfully during his meeting with the Russian President, sensitizing him about grave human rights violations by Indian occupation forces and the need for peaceful and durable solution of the problem for the sake of regional peace and stability.
Some circles believe that the visit was ill-timed because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict but they forget that such strategically important visits are planned in advance and any postponement could have sent wrong signals to Moscow.
However, credit goes to Imran Khan for raising the issue with the Russian President emphasizing that diplomacy could avert a military conflict.
He stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest, and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically in case of conflict.
He underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Islamophobia is also one of the topics of serious concern to Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah and in this backdrop, the Prime Minister appreciated the stance of President Putin whose recent but bold remarks reflected his understanding of the respect and sensitivities that the Muslims attach to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
It is important to note that the topic was also at the centre of the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Grand Mufti of Moscow.
As Pakistan is offering lucrative incentives to investors, it is hoped that the interaction of the Prime Minister with members of the Russian business community would brighten prospects for greater Russian investment in Pakistan.
