PM Shehbaz, President Putin Expresses Will to Strengthen Pak-Russia Bilateral Cooperation
PM Shehbaz, President Putin Expresses Will to Strengthen Pak-Russia Bilateral Cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Shehbaz Sharif have been able to reach a middle ground. There is a mutuality in their interaction. The two leaders desire to improve bilateral relations. This is more than symbolic. It has a weight in the shifting world order. Pakistan and Russia have been looking over each other’s shoulders.
Strategic Importance
Russia matters to Pakistan. There is no use denying the fact that it plays a part in energy, defense and regional stability. In the case of Moscow, Islamabad provides an outlet. It connects South Asia and Central Asia. This is a natural partner because of this geographic advantage of Pakistan. Both sides see this clearly. This is the reason why cooperation is becoming a common objective.
Energy as a Priority
The number one agenda is energy. Pakistan is a country with chronic energy crisis. Russia holds vast reserves. Part of the discussions include pipelines and gas supplies. Once realized, this collaboration can help alleviate the Pakistan economy. It can capture also the market of Russia in South Asia. This is a classic win-win.
Regional Dynamics
Urgency is created by the local climate. Afghanistan is still unstable. Trade routes are contested. India draws nearer to the West. In this context there are reasons why Pakistan and Russia should be on the same page. Both desire the stability of the area. Both oppose terrorism. Both seek foreign policies of their own.
Defying Old Patterns
Pakistan had been closely aligned with the US in the past decades. The Cold War was used to view Russia. That era is gone. Islamabad is diversifying. Moscow is learning to live with sanctions and isolation by the West. This meeting creates space to interact more.
Economic Cooperation
Another potential is in the trade. Current figures are low. But the potential is high. Joint ventures can be successful in agriculture, technology and infrastructure. The two leaderships have shown will. The difficulty is to turn the word into action.
Diplomacy depends on will. President Putin has demonstrated it and PM Shehbaz. Their words are solemn in nature. They are committed in their tone. The two are not merely exchanging niceties. They are setting up a course.
A Future Partnership
It is evident that the need to strengthen bilateral relationships exists. Now it requires follow up. Contracts must be put in place. Red tape must be eliminated. Regional forces need to be handled. When correctly handled, Pak-Russian relations will become strategic rather than symbolic.
The common desire of PM Shehbaz and President Putin is a new stage. It responds to evolving realities. It cites to a more equal foreign policy. To Pakistan, Russia is a possibility. To Russia, Pakistan is the way. They will be able to create a win-win partnership together. The time to act is now.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
