Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of Russian Federation Danila V Ganich, during a discussion on Russia-Pakistan relations highlighted Pakistan as a valued and significant partner for Russia, given its role in regional politics, influence in the Muslim world and geostrategic location.
The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) had organized the discussion titled “Pakistan-Russia Relations: Prospects for the Future.”
Russia, like Pakistan, does not want an arms race in the region and outer space as well, said the ambassador adding his country was eager to invest $1.7 billion in the Karachi-Lahore gas pipeline, which would be a landmark project for the progress of the region.
The Ambassador stressed that Russia and Pakistan were on the same page about respecting the sovereignty of states in this multi-polar world and were against any steps taken in the guise of humanitarian pretexts.
He also remarked that the present Afghan government did not reflect aspirations of the Afghan people. Russia, too, does not want instability and chaos on its border, said the ambassador underscoring that several factors were hampering the current peace process, including upcoming US elections and the desire of Afghan government to preserve its power.
In his concluding remarks and vote of thanks, President CASS, Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Kaleem Saadat said while Pak-Russia ties may have had their ups and downs, they are deeply rooted.
While discussing the Kremlin’s relations with India, especially in the arms sector, President CASS argued that there were certain times in history when one could not remain on the sidelines, as this is not the time for ideological rigidity or commercial self-interests.
