By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Academics and scholars suggested expanding CPEC-related activities in the region to Russia to bolster relations between Pakistan and Russia. They were expressing their views in a panel discussion on ‘Pakistan and Russia: Challenges and Opportunities for a Comprehensive Relationship’ organized by Center for Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) here on Thursday.
The discussion began with introductory remarks by Director CSP and Editor at ISSI Mr. Najam Rafique. He mentioned two major developments in Pakistan-Russia relations which have taken place in November 2020: Russia’s infrastructure assistance in North-South gas pipeline project, and Pak-Russia joint military exercises (Druzhba-V).
After referring to a few more positive developments, he said that it was in this background that CSP is holding this panel discussion.
Posing a question to Dr. Leonid Savin, Mr. Najam asked how Russia views its relations with Pakistan. Responding positively to this answer, Dr. Savin said that though there is still lack of knowledge about Pakistan in his country, Russia is nurturing it relations with the former.
Despite the Soviet legacy and historical baggage between the countries, the Russian scholar stated, economic and military cooperation is facilitating them to move into a productive engagement. The realization of Pakistan’s utility can be seen in various developments such as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Regarding Mr. Najam’s query on Russia’s future posture in Afghanistan, Dr. Savin responded that his country has always supported peace in Kabul and it will continue to do so in the future as well. To another question on Moscow’s role in Asia-Pacific and Washington’s recent mobilization of QUAD, the Russian scholar highlighted a few important engagements in the region and said that his country will play a constructive role in the coming days.
Responding to a question on the nature and dynamics of the evolving bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia, Director General ISSI, Amb.
Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that it is America’s Pivot to Asia and China’s overall growing clout in the region and the world that has brought shifts in many state-to-state alignments.
The current trajectory of Pak-Russia relations, in his opinion, was an eventual product of these developments. Recalling an official meeting with President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, he said that he found the President personally interested in building substantial relations with Pakistan.
Moving on to the next panelist, Mr. Najam engaged Dr. Shabir for his opinion on the different avenues of cooperation which can be capitalized by Pakistan and Russia to build a comprehensive and durable long-term relationship. Dr. Shabir was highly optimistic of the nature and dynamics of the relations.
