With the ruling coalition’s constitutional tenure nearing its completion, President Asif Ali Zardari is eager to reach out to his counterparts from other countries to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Bilateral talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zardari are said to begin in Islamabad on October 2 during the former’s two-day visit to Pakistan, said an official source requesting anonymity.
The talks are part of a quadrilateral summit to be hosted by Pakistan on October 3 to which Afghan and Tajik leaders are invited.
President Putin, who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, is expected to discuss a number of issues of mutual interests including cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, defence and technology.
Terming the visit “historic”, a foreign ministry official said the two nations will discuss “all things under the sky”.
Expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills; measures to counter global and regional terrorism; curbing smuggling of narcotics, will figure in the bilateral talks, the official added.
He said heads of the two countries will also sign several agreements and memorandums of understanding – particularly in the fields of trade, energy, defence, technology and narcotics control.
“Putin’s landmark visit to Pakistan is not only an immense success in strengthening our regional foreign policy, but should also be considered a major step towards establishing peace in the world,” said the official. “Bilateral talks will pave the way for the two nations to forge a long-term relationship of mutual benefit.”
The official maintained one key issue on the list of agendas for the quadrilateral summit was the political future and security of the region once US and Nato forces withdraw from Afghanistan.
The leaders of these four nations will deliberate over threats posed by terrorism, hostile activities of the Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda, and smuggling of narcotics.
President Zardari visited Russia earlier on May 11–13 to hold bilateral talks.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2012.
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Its a good initiative. Strategic partnership between the two cold war rivals is not only in the two countries interests but its in the region's interest. Russia-China nexus will provide a good environment and grounds to counter US and NATO influence in the region after its withdrawal from the war zone in 2014. moreover Army Chief's visit will also be a landmark in the history of both nations.
@Skintaj: "Good and wise political and social move for far future benefits!!!" That is what Pakistanis said about America in 1947, too. Look where you are today. Wanting to rip out the heart of America after you squandered all the benefits that association accrued! No benefits from the "deeper-higher" friend, either. You will not go more than a few steps with Russia. You have quite a history with them. Time to rue what you did to your relationship with America! "Khuda ganje ko nakhoon na de!"
Good and wise political and social move for far future benefits!!!
"but should also be considered a major step towards establishing peace in the world,” " ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ How does that establish peace in the world?
Senseless statement.