Russia has invited Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the forthcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) against the backdrop of rapidly changing developments in the Middle East and Afghanistan, according to diplomatic officials.
Pakistan, which has an observer status at the SCO, a key regional security organisation, is sending the Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, to take part in the summit.
However, in view of the likely military strike against Syria as well as the US drawdown in Afghanistan next year, Moscow is pushing Islamabad to send Prime Minister Nawaz, officials told The Express Tribune.
On Friday, Pakistan and Russia wrapped up their first strategic dialogue with a commitment to remaining engaged and maintaining the momentum in the relationship.
“Both sides noted with satisfaction the growing understanding between the two countries and discussed in detail the state of bilateral relations,” concluded a statement by the Foreign Office.
On the September 13 SCO summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the new Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will take part.
They are expected to discuss the recent Syrian crisis and the Afghanistan endgame. Both Russia, China – permanent members with veto powers at the UN Security Council – are opposing military action against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons against the rebel strongholds.
Officials said the SCO summit could provide an opportunity for the new Pakistani prime minister to interact with heads of states present on key regional and international issues.
“Russia is quite keen to understand the new Pakistani government’s perspective on important issues,” said a Russian diplomat, on the condition of anonymity.
The diplomat said it is important that Prime Minister Sharif attends the SCO since his government was seeking to reach out to regional countries for cooperation.
However, it is not clear whether the premier will travel to Bishkek.
Foreign office officials said the prime minister had no such plans yet, although he could go to SCO summit before travelling to Turkey on September 16. After his Turkey visit, he will go to New York for the UN General Assembly session.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian security organisation established in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Currently, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have been given observer status, while Belarus, Sri Lanka and Turkey have been made dialogue partners.
Both China and Russia have endorsed the full membership of India and Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (37)
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@ SRB AIG: When you google it, you'll realize that India lost the 1965 war with Pakistan. FACT!
@SRB AIG: 1965? Just google it.
You want to be a super power then learn some manners First
@Zeeshan: Dont make fun Bro they are super power but in DREAM..
@gp65: Russia will never break its ties with India (a super-power) for Pakistan (a 3rd world country). . Knowing gp65, I can safely say that this post is not hers.
@gp65: Remember ur 70 % population lives below poverty line, ur planes r expired,ur mumbai air is so polluted that breathing in it cost to smoke 2.5 packs of cigarette.... wAOO WAT A BEAUTIFUL SUPER IN FACT SO CALLED SUPER POWER. y U FORGET THE BEAT OF 1961 WAR ND 1965. ?
PM should attend SCO
He won't get permission from Saudia nor US to attend.
@Samina - "I can see Indians expressing their ‘concern’ over Russia’s invitation to Pakistan in comments here….. "
What else do you see??? Please enlighten us...
@gp65:
didnt see Russia inviting India....?????
Secondly every one knows tht India has changed sides...
last but not the least INDIAN AND SUPER POWER !!!!! took too much medicine or...
@ gp65... haha. so sweet :)
@The Paki!: great my dear
Pakistan must avail this oppertunity.
The countries opposed to this visit will be Saudi arabia and USA. But it is in national interst of Pakistan to attend
Our 'heavy mandate' PM is too nerveless to take part in such strategic discussions.
@ Gp65
Russia will never break its ties with India (a super-power) for Pakistan (a 3rd world country).
My dear, get your head out of the clouds. Too early you have started to fly high. I have got no shame to admit that yes, Pakistan is still a third world country. But India? a super power? You must be kidding.
Have you ever gone through the detail of the word super power? Even China cannot claim itself a super power, though its on the verge of becoming the economic super power within few years.
Come back, and touch your feet to the ground. You are flying too high.
Wonder why Indians feel insecure about Russia-Pakistan relationship? We hardly care about your relationship with China, and Pakistan does not want to break Russia-India ties lol, this is not some Indian drama, plz grow up!
I doubt it if even Sartaj Aziz would attend the meeting, they are not interested in Syria or Egypt, PMLN wants to run their Govt. for 5 years...
@gp65: Oh I never knew India is a developed country with all those people sleeping on footpaths and 40-50% people living below the poverty line :)
@gp365 India a super power
A super power where more than 55% of the population doesn't have access to proper sanitation facilities.
http://www.healthissuesindia.com/poor-sanitation/
Talk about being delusional
@gp65: Oh i didn't knew that India is a super power and not a 3rd world country.
@Samina: Where?
@Ali: 'Beggars cant be choosers'? Seriously dude, learn to use this only when appropriate, dont overdo it cause clearly it doesnt fit here.
Oh here we go...the troll train is here
@Ali: FYI, even superpowers like USA run their countries on billion of dollars worth of loans & not to forget the way US asked for international assistance when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans :) you need to get your facts straight before you talk about Pakistan. P.S I am against the way our Govt has managed our domestic & foreign loans & aid money.
I have commented repeatedly that I have confidence in Nawaz Sharif but Shabaz Sharif is a problem. As long as Nawaz Sharif is in control, it will be good. I think Nawaz Sharif should attend SCO Summit but should not take SS with him.
Is it Bishkek meeting or Bakshish meeting?
Russia will never break its ties with India (a super-power) for Pakistan (a 3rd world country).
I can see Indians expressing their 'concern' over Russia's invitation to Pakistan in comments here.....
Pakistan missed the opportunity to be close to Russia once, me shouldnt miss it now, PM should go.
That would offend GCC and NATO..........NO Chance
what will russia gain.......
Funny Russia thinks that Pakistanis have a say. Beggers can't be choosers