ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will walk into the corridors of the Kremlin this month, signalling the possibility of a marked shift in Pakistan-Russia ties marred by the Cold War rivalry.
Gen Kayani will become the first Pakistan Army chief to undertake a state visit to Moscow, though former military ruler Gen Parvez Musharraf did visit the Russian capital as the head of state in 2003.
Official sources confirmed to The Express Tribune that Gen Kayani would make the “historic trip” in the second week of September, marking the beginning of a new phase of otherwise troubled ties. He is expected to be given a warm welcome in Moscow, where he is scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart and also President Vladimir Putin, sources added.
Gen Kayani was originally scheduled to visit the former superpower in early August but the trip was delayed due to a series of meetings with US officials as part of rapprochement between Islamabad and Washington.
What does this visit mean?
The army chief’s visit is being seen as a significant development as it comes just weeks before the Russian president undertakes his first-ever visit to Islamabad in early October.
“We have turned a new page in our relationship with Russia. It is a major shift,” said a senior official at the foreign ministry requesting anonymity.
A senior military official added that the two countries would push for greater military-to-military ties during Gen Kayani’s trip. “Ironically, Pakistan and Russia have more points of convergences than Pakistan does with the Americans,” he added.
The two countries are thought to share similar views on the Afghan endgame and have voiced concerns over US military presence in the war-torn country beyond 2014.
“The old Cold War rivals are going to be strategic partners. And this will change the entire strategic map of not only Pakistan but also of Afghanistan and Central Asia,” said defence analyst Maria Sultan.
Pakistan and Russia had remained bitter cold-war rivals in the 1980s when Islamabad joined the US-led alliance which defeated the former Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
However, relations have shown gradual improvement in recent years with two countries seeking to bury their bitter past.
Increased cooperation is believed to be a cause of concern for the United States. Washington, an official said, was not expecting Putin to visit Islamabad.
“You will not see that much bullying of Pakistan. It is going to have a sobering effect on Pak-US relations,” argued Maria.
However, some experts have warned that Afghanistan may become a new battleground for regional and international players in the wake of this realignment, fearing that if Pakistan-Russia ties are about “strategic advantages and disadvantages,” it will have negative implications for the Afghan endgame.
A 30-member strong Russian ministerial delegation will also visit Islamabad on September 9 for a joint inter-governmental commission meeting. The meeting is part of preparations for the upcoming visit by the Russian president to Pakistan.
Moscow has shown interest in investing in the expansion of Pakistan’s Steel Mills and has also singnalled its willingness to fund the Iran gas pipeline project, whose fate hangs in the balance because of US sanctions on Tehran.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (81)
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@Raw is War: hahahhaha Pakistan spat in the face of US and we no longer get any US aid, we spent more on war on terror than we get from US aid.
Pakistan and Russia should unite against aggresive western regime change agenda
Thanks God!!! After so long we are understanding the importance of our excellent foreign relations to Russia.
Pakistani defence establishments ( POF etc ) are successfully making license versions of H&K G 3 assault rifle, MP5 SMG and MG3 HMG, these weapons are tough , reliable and are being used by the military to root out TTP all over pakistan,, as for sniper rifles, they are specialized items which pakistan easily acquires from abroad, point in case, we have R 550 , SVDs and M2 barretts in service( considered to be top of the line ) ,, why bother with local production when off shore dealers are more than willing to sell you stuff ?
Though it is a good move and it reflects a maturity in our foreign policy but there are many skeptic view. The people at the helm of affairs in Pakistan has so much in love with US and have their personal interest in US that they keep sacrifice Pakistan's interest over US interest. I hope we get away from such people and the relation of Pakistan improve with regional powers including Russia.
@gp65: We both have direct interests in Asia than US. Through central Asian nations we have historical ties. Russians are direct in their diplomatic approach while US is deceptive and will ditch you if suits them. Palistan and Russia have similar populations. Russia has large reserves of oil and gas and we have a good corridor through Arabian sea to offer.
@Haroon Rashid: " Pakistan is a country with blessings to bring smile on all faces. After relations with China Pakistan’s co-operation brought China to the platform of WT (World Trade Organisation) and brought the economy and trade at the level of developed nations."
If Pakistan is blessed to bring smile why the smile is wiped out from the face of Pakistan ? What a illusion Mr Rashid, ?? come out of the false pride and accept the reality.
We can see a major shift of powers; India tending toward USA and now Pakistan tending towards Russia. Also, the Sino-Russia relations are getting strong. Can we predict that these are the preparations of the last war? the WW3?
@Imran Ahsan Mirza:
I still believe that when Russia invaded Afghanistan in 70s we should have worked with them and build a road up till Gawadar. Just the tax collection could have built Pakistan. And imagine which nation(s) would have been the looser. Just imagine what could have been Pakistan if that was there. Afghanistan was no problem for Pakistan at that time. Pakistan would have been at a different level in the international arena.
I pray we may learn from our mistakes. Now we have been pushed... We have to change....
Great move..first we join hands with the US and drive out the Russians from Afghanistan (BAD MOVE) and now we join hands with Russia to do what? drag the US away from this region? not going to happen. What then?
An economical move from WAHGA to MOSCOW.India is trying to Involve PUTIN and KAYANI to Construct a safe trade way to Central Asia, no negotiation with AFGHANISTAN BALOCHISTAN or US.The aim of Putin is to use ZERDARI as a bridge between CHAINA and INDIA.It is nothing but a future trade relation between RUSSIA and INDIA.
This simply shows that we are still reliant upon a foreign power, this is not what Pakistan needs after more than 60 years of independence. With so much capabililities in every sphere of life and enormous manpower skills, Pakistanis want to stand on their own feet in stead of looking for external support.
This is absolutely not an encouraging move by the Pak Army or may it be the failed government.
thats nice thats there is warming up with Russia and Pakistan ties world has changed and everyone lives in a global village and if china can buy her best military hardware for its forces from Russia like the the Chinese stealth fighter J-20 chengdu uses AL 31F engines from Russia or the aircraft carrier Shi lang which was retrofitted in china is actually Russian ex Varyag so it only makes sense to buy from Russia directly than china as the JF -17 engines are RD 93 which are imported from Russia and fitted on the fighter increasing cost which can be reduced greatly if bought directly from Russia than buying it as 3rd party from china
Wise Move Pakistan, Pakistan will be saving billions of dollars by taking russian weapons instead of American
Gen Kayani is a smart man and he knows what he is doing.
Great work General Saab !\
A historic trip or a mistake, this thing time will decide but one thing to note that will Russia forgets its disintegration of its a Russian step to know Pakistan more deeply to plan measures to disintegrate Pakistan.
The Pakistani state will wave it's begging bowl before to anyone it considers rich and powerful, thats just how it is. This story just shows that Russia is rising once again.
@Farooq: "well done, it is a good start of bilateral relations of the two important countries of the region, " We know Russia is an important country. But, which is the other one?
We need to stand on our own. But it is still a good move considering we need to move away from Aemricans, but we must not repeat our mistakes, we need to consider our interests. And most importantly we need to impriove realtions with Muslim countries.
Today we have fallen too low, our youth cant think beyond bollywood, and we have gone too low. May ALLAH help us in coming back
@Afghanistan you are right brother! I dont know why cant we be friends? Why ethnic lines are more inportant to us then Islam.
@BlackJack: Why do you want to stay in a state of denial. In politics nothing is impossible. All the states have to adopt policies of friendship and cooperation in line with their national interest
This also going to be of no use.....our country will be used/exploited with a new style by new masters or may be by both old one and new one.
With Sept 11th coming up it's a good time to leave town and avoid the tough questions? Kayani will find that the Russian's are no different than the Chinese 1) they are concerned about Islamic extremist 2) they don't provide weapons unless you have the cash to pay for them 3) they rely on the USA for trade and will never choose Pakistan over the USA.
@Tahir, I am happy that our army dictates foreign policy, only a fool would leave sensitive matters in the hands of current PPP leadership.
@Asad: "Only downside being that Russia is too close to India. But then, so is America." Who isn't?
@Tahir:
"Yeah right, you’re talking as if generals have succeded in defending the country. The only responsibility they are given is to defend the country, which they cann’t do."
You're right and I am myself a severe critic of their past performance. No doubt their past and present performances are not even close to satisfactory, but at the same the performances of the oligarchies masquerading as democracy are even worst. That is why every time a general takes over, people welcome him.
You can't buy fancy military toys from Russia, we will block it. Russia knows we are a bigger market than Pakistan. We have still many deals with Russia worth lot of $. So Pakistan should not expect any freebies.
@Lala Gee: " ... then how can you blame soldiers or officers of Pak Army for not doing something which is not their primary job. The government of Pakistan is the right entity deserving your criticism. "
Yeah right, you're talking as if generals have succeded in defending the country. The only responsibility they are given is to defend the country, which they cann't do. What do you have to say about the martial laws and loosing Bangladesh? Perhaps, you might have heard of this saying in Pakistan, "Ask anything of a general, just dont ask him about defence". You just puke over government of Pakistan only.
Pak-Russia relation has been improving for some years now, its not that they just thought of it as of today & decided to go visit Russia or invite Putin! policy matters aren't made over night, so those who are saying that all of a sudden Pakistan is saving itself from future fallout are totally wrong! Close relation with China & now Russia, adversaries of Pakistan will start to worry now, we will be in a stronger position than ever before as US is bound to lose out its hold over other countries in coming years :) future is in Asia-middle east
@Raw is War: keep blabbering.....but geo-political landscape is fast changing...just because of american arrogance and certainly going to disappoint people like you who wish the status quo to maintain
And India is doing the same Mistake of US friendship.
I doubt Mr. Kiyani is the first Army Chief to visit Russia. Late General Yahya Khan had also visited that country early in 1968, negotiating with them our requirement of military hardwares. We got some helicopters, but then relationship went sour when he himself became the President (at that time, he was Commander in Chief,these days, the President is Commander in Chief)
its never too late ... competitors increase the quality and options ..we can't make relations with one country only and that is china.
well done, it is a good start of bilateral relations of the two important countries of the region, But we should transfer these relations to our energy crises and education sectors and not only to the military ties.
@Awans:
"The time is ripe is to stop making the fool of the Pakistani nation on the name of Indigenous Development which is in my view is Indigenous Assembly and nothing else and also Stop fooling us on the name of Some Independent Policy."
I know you are one the lucky Pakistanis who got higher eduction (most likely at the expense of the poor Pakistanis). May we know your contributions towards any invention or discovery. Criticizing others is the easiest way out and self-pity is the worst disorder. If highly educated people like yourself are not willing to put in hard work, then how can you blame soldiers or officers of Pak Army for not doing something which is not their primary job. The government of Pakistan is the right entity deserving your criticism. You can, however, criticize army for running commercial entities, but perhaps you also need to know that the profits of these business are mostly used to support the families of the martyrs and injured as well as the welfare of the retired servicemen. I personally know that all the children of a martyred soldier receive totally free education in Army Public Schools and Colleges which costs as much as Rs. 15,000 per month per child in 'A' levels.
Pakistan is a country with blessings to bring smile on all faces. After relations with China Pakistan's co-operation brought China to the platform of WT (World Trade Organisation) and brought the economy and trade at the level of developed nations. Russia just had the membership of WTO, earlier the Rouble was fully convertible to Euro brought Russian scientists, technology, trade and commerce to the standards and level of Europe and Americas. Being our neighbour we can possibly share strategic interests with the Russian Federration and the Central Asian States. Our education for sciences, technology, in health care, in Physics, Aviation, Electronic Warfare, Agriculture sector where farming is done by un-manned tractors monitored by satellite to waste lands in Russia. Our agricultural sector can benefit tremendously with the Russian Federation. The Trans-Siberian Railway which can help our transit trade to worldwide by train, via the high speed trains taking our cargo in day at fractional cost of the sea cargo and many things. The visits of dignatories is a good omen.
How about learning socialism and communism?
@ Awans: Sir, your ignorance irritates me. I am sure you have no clue of how things work, nor have you ever tried to think sensibly. Its not the mandate of the armies to build weapons, they are only the operators. Defense related R&D organizations build weapons for their armies. I am not sure if you are familiar with this term but Sir you need to know that R&D is a highly cost intensive prospect. For reference, you can pick up any major project and search for its development cost . A country like Pakistan couldn't and can't afford such luxury. You need to have highly qualified engineers, for that you need to have highly reputable scientific institutes, for that you need to have a strong economy and ample flow of cash. Nobody wants to have reliance on foreigners but there are limitations which force you to look that way. Please educate yourself and use the keyboard sensibly, will help you a lot. Regards!
Pak - US relations currently are at a low and despite . After the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan, in 2014 Importance of Pakistan for US will get diminished. Therefore it is important for Pak to develop new relations / increase warmth in the relations for their national interest. this visit as well as the visit of Russian PM shortly is a signal to us ( who will need the cooperation of Pakistan to keep the region stable and and free of militant activities as far as possible, till Afghanistan does not stand on its feet) to show the strategic importance of Pakistan.
yes, Now the country has started to give its own national interest, the highest priority.
Pak Army has always saved our country and it will insha-ALLAH do so again..
Dont be so excited my pakistani brothers! We paid price for the friendship with Soviet and its your turn now. You paid price for the friendship with US and its our turn now. Making a relationship with superpower is useless because superpowers think about their own interests.
However, some experts have warned that Afghanistan may become a new battleground for regional and international players in the wake of this realignment, fearing that if Pakistan-Russia ties are about “strategic advantages and disadvantages,” it will have negative implications for the Afghan endgame.
I totally agree with the above assessment of the experts. The new realignments of power players will bring chaos and misery in the already war-torn-out Afghanistan and hence once again effecting the region. OBL operation and Slala incidents were the turning points of Pakistan-US relations. Due to America's consistent betrayals and total disregard for the interests of their ally as well as disrespectful arrogant attitude, the Pakistani policy makers were finally compelled to reconsider their policies and hedge their bets in order to protect their own national interests. Unfortunately, the Afghans would be the ones who would suffer the most in this hegemonic game and there seems to be no end in the near future.
This does not signals a shift in policy . Kiyani and co are still in US lap and this trip cannot be done without US approval. The agenda will be Afghanistan and possibly Syria.
Dear Sir, Have a nice trip. Regards You soldier
Kayani after the tour;We had a succesfull tour of Russia!! We came back.!
sir, one apts to see our record of SEATO, CENTO, and Russians must be having memory of U 2 - IN THIS BACKDROP what results yielded ? ????
well done Pakistan
Should have done long ago, anyways better late than never!
Wow good move Mr kayni. ..
Pakistan army has endured historical damage during this man’s tenure!
This is very good move, however, a Trip to India will have more impact on reduction of Defense Budget than Moscow. India & Pakistan must sign an agreement that for 10 years they will not buy any arm and that money will be invested in infrastructure, education & health.
All efforts should be made to draw maximum benefit from this visit. This valuable opportunity to iron out our past differences with Russia should not be allowed to slip out.
The two countries are thought to share similar views on the Afghan endgame and have voiced concerns over US military presence in the war-torn country beyond 2014. Nothing could be further from the truth.
great move for nation to reducing pressure of usa
I welcome this sane decision. When Pakistan put everything at risk by siding with the US, the US abandoned Pakistan at every stage we needed them. A more balance, friends-with-all approach is the best thing. We need to be on good terms with Russia, US and China.
What's historic about it? Only thing I see historic is that he is Chief of Army Staff for five years and is still not President of Pakistan.
" You can change your friends but you cannot change your neighbors" If we would have done this in 1948 we would have been a much stable country the the smudge we are today. Nevertheless Better late than never.
Very good move.
russia being a nabuor may be good in our favor and it is pakistan fault that they have made friendship with us a very far one and leave regional one but it is still fear that us lobby in pakistan will sabotage it as never want pakistan got self reliance and always became us slave good kiyani but be cleaver in future.
Pakistan-China-Russia-Iran can be great solid bloc of nation which have troubled relation with US. This new alliance should be pushed with greater pace.
Pakistan has more Muslim coreligionists in Russia (15%) than in the USA (2%).
Great move by Pakistan should have happened long ago
Just one advice, don't expect any "$ a i d $" in return ! Russia ain't not amrica.
with a begging bowl?
@Imran Ahsan Mirza: "We have more iin common with Russia than US."
Interesting. Can you please list the commonalities?
Only downside being that Russia is too close to India. But then, so is America.
Bye bye to USA, UK, & Israel's back stabbing.
GREAT News.... and about time
great move by Pak, its old saying enemy of enemy is your friend!
It's about time and Pakistan & Russia should both move on. The world is about changing Geopolitics & the only way Pakistan can get out of this quagmire it finds itself in is by developing good ties based on economic policies & trade!
However, some experts have warned that Afghanistan may become a new battleground for regional and international players in the wake of this realignment, fearing that if Pakistan-Russia ties are about “strategic advantages and disadvantages,” it will have negative implications for the Afghan endgame. It is so stupid to say as some experts(slave of US) think in the same way. this is high time to get rid of US .......
Kayanis facial expression in that pic : "haters gonna hate"
Its the old "try this, if not try that" Pakistani strategy. How about try cleaning up the house General? In the end, that is all that can save you not any external alliance especially with a spent power.
"I made a succesfull tour of Russia!-I came back,says Kiani!!
Good
Good move by Zardari. The grand chessboard of Eurasia just got more interesting.
This shows that the establishment still dictates foreign policy. The people have given their mandate, this is clearly the responsibility of the PPP government which has failed to bring the establishment under its control. Politicians enjoying the seats of power while doing nothing to ensure civilian supremacy.
We have more iin common with Russia than US. We must forge this newly developed friendship and ditch our past differences. It will give us opportunity improve our ties with India and also to contain the internal militancy threat. Good thinking by Amry and perhaps Mr Zardari too in inviting Putin.