THE relations between Pakistan and Russia have seen an unprecedented improvement over the last few years with both countries holding joint military exercises and also exploring ways and means to further enhance their defence and economic relations. Recently, Pakistan expressed its desire to take the relationship to the next level by offering Moscow a multidimensional strategic partnership.
The offer made by Pakistan for developing strategic ties with Moscow is a positive and significant step that will enable the two countries to come closer each and build a strongpartnership based on shared interests.
Undoubtedly, the long-term multidimensional partnership between the two countries will be mutually beneficial and contribute towards regional peace and stability.
The countries should envisage cooperation not only in the field of defence but also in other sectors of the economy, including energy, trade, agriculture and industry.
The opportunitiesfor cooperation between the two countries are diverse.
What is required is that they maintain the current upward trajectory in relations through high-level interactions.
Baba Faiz Ball Nigwar (2) THE relationship between Pakistan and Russia is gaining momentum.
In June 2013, Russian President Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum put forth his intentions to `take a page from the United States` book and pivot east`. He announced ambitious plans to boost Russia`s economic growth by looking to the Asia-Pacific region rather than to its traditional markets in Europe.
Russia, undoubtedly, wants to regain its great power status and wants to checkmate US influence in the Asia.
How much it will succeed remains questionable.
Russia may not be able to replace the US in Pakistan and substitute it completely in the domain of defence collaboration, economic aid and trade.
There are certain realities that may be difEcult to alter despite current situations. Today, the US and the European Union are the largest trading partners of Pakistan and their share in the country`s economic development is too big to dispense with.
India will monitor the relationship between Pakistan and Russia closely. This is because the Russian help is not limited to the defence system of India but also includes nuclear reactors, industries andspace systems.
Pakistan managing to manoeuvre its way into the Russian military-industrial complex will be a major concern for India.
