Boosting defence ties: Pakistan, Russia sign landmark cooperation pact
Pakistan and Russia on Thursday signed an agreement to increase defence and military cooperation, the latest sign of gradual improvement in ties between the former Cold War adversaries.
The pact, whose specific details were not publicly shared, was signed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu, an official statement issued by the defence ministry said.
This was first visit by any Russian defence minister to Pakistan and was part of efforts to open a ‘new chapter’ in relationship often marred by deep suspicion and mistrust. A senior military official told The Express Tribune that the visit was a ‘milestone in burying the bitter past’ between Pakistan and Russia.
Talking to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity, the official disclosed that the defence agreement covered wide range of subjects including Pakistan’s plans to acquire Mi-35 gunship helicopters and other military equipment from Russia.
“This visit is also important in the context of the post-2014 scenario,” added another official, who said Russia was keen to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the wake of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
The official statement said the Russian defence minister’s visit, which comes at a ‘very critical juncture’, will, apart from promoting bilateral defence relations, enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability to the region.
Gen Shoygu was accompanied by a 41-member high level delegation and was received by Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak and Secretary Defence Production Lt-Gen (retd) Tanvir Tahir.
According to the defence ministry, both Pakistan and Russia stressed on continuing the momentum gained during the Moscow Conference and expressed satisfaction over the convergence of views on most international and trans-regional issues.
Khawaja Asif during the meeting appreciated Russia’s overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. He added that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia would help in building stability and prosperity in the region.
Asif called the signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two countries a milestone. “Both sides will translate this relationship into tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations,” he said.
Both sides expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for the exchange of views and information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security.
The Russian defence minister appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistan’s armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism. He further appreciated the defence production side stating that IDEAS itself signifies the leap Pakistan had taken in manufacturing defence equipment. “The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now.”
Russian dignitary meets PM
During his stay, the visiting dignitary also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif besides holding in-depth delegation level talks with Pakistani authorities.
Talking to him the prime minister said it was heartening to see that relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation have grown over the past few years. He added that Pakistan is keen to enhance its multi-dimensional relations with Moscow, including defence.
Premier Nawaz stressed upon the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries which currently stands at $542 million and does not correspond to their trade potential.
He appreciated Russia’s support to Pakistan in its quest to become full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2014.
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Makes you wonder, why? If Russia is not a communist country anymore that U.S. & West didn't believe as a Hollowed Method of Govt then what's is the problem? What make one dictate the rules of ruling, if it's not inhumane. Birth Right maybe? "Russian" is not any inferior language to write books in or make movies in, is it? Asia has more in common with Russia than Europe or U.S. I bet, domestically, it will be good for Arabia too. I know they have to share oil & gas market plus warmer water trade routs. But then it's same as English Spanish, hundreds of years ago, war for trade route isn't it? Who will pay the price, people or giant corporations and big tycoons. Maybe, world will be a better place if all get a chance to trade. The monopoly of few will be shattered and people will afford a better life. Disease Epidemics & Chronic Hunger issues will be over. Housing & agriculture will be better & affordable. People will travel freely. It will be a Win Win situation.
@unbelievable: Dear unbelievable, Welcome back. Have not heard from you for a while. I notice you have not changed and are still getting it wrong. You appear to be unaware that the old Soviet Union was invited to help a repressive government. However, the Soviet Union was taught a lesson and left never to come back. This was in stark contrast to the US who invaded Afghanistan 14 years ago, removed the incumbent government, setup a supposedly democratic puppet government and have been there ever since helping it to maintain power, and create the largest heroin network in the world with all the tragedy this entails The US is currently on its third invasion of Iraq, has setup and supplied militants in Syria and Libya, and by incessant bombing has virtually reduced them to the stone-age. The US is also itching to have a go at Iran, which has not invaded or attacked anybody for over two hundred years. These of course were all Islamic countries. In regard to Crimea the US supported an armed junta with a bunch of thugs who took over a democratically elected government in Kiev. It would appear to even a disinterested bystander that the current democratically elected Russian Government is altogether different from the Soviet Union of old, is the one voice of sanity in our currently crazy world, and is a bulwark against the horrific money junky policies of the Western world. I will not go into the continual US drone attacks around the world, which it appears invariably target innocent women and children. I hope this helps you?
Are you that desperate? Russia is a country with long history of Muslim oppression and has just invaded and annexed Crimea - not one bit different than what they wanted to do with your neighbor Afghanistan which was just a prelude to annexing Pakistan for a warm water port. If your going to bend over at least ask for a condom.
There is vast potential for the growth of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in a wide range of areas. Since the two sides have shown a keen desire to explore new areas and strengthen already existing cooperation in multiple fields, the coming years if not months are certain to witness an expansion of cooperation between the two countries. The areas of defense, energy, regional connectivity, infrastructure and trade are going to be the focus of these endeavors.
@Sexton Blake: Good point! Russians are currently under sanctions from the USA and European Union. we have a potential 3rd ww scenario!
Rex Minor
@Realist:
r u really sure Realist?
Pak is getting RD-93 Engines, Helicopters, E-Intelligence equipment while the Indian were sleeping or is it just they failed to comprehend the fact that USSR & Russian Federation are two completely different entities?
Pick one plz.
regards,
Wait for this agreement to be scrapped after an angry Indian response. India is a much more valuable Russian customer and also BRICS member.
I am certain that Russia, unlike the US, will not threaten Pakistan with sanctions.
>>U.S. Should not see this with suspicion. They should think of it as their stolen technology that gets improved after it gets stolen by adversaries, but always comes back with new modification and enhanced features which was not possible in same lab years after years.
Good step for both countries.
Wonderful opportunity for Pakistan to help fill the void after Moscow put sanctions on EU on their food imports.
Great strategic thinking by PML N . We should have a balanced approach and regain our stature in diplomacy.