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H.E. Mr. Alexey Yurievich Dedov A,bassador of Russian Federation(Diplomatic Insight (Pakistan) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Without any condition here we are your allies in the full sense of the word” was how Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin conveyed his warm feelings to his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani when the two met on November 25, 2010 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Dushanbe. Pakistan enjoys deep rooted cordial diplomatic ties with Russian Federation. Over the years, the changing shape of regional and international politics has made Pakistan to incline and opt for western alliance and that is only for saving and keeping its national interest intact. In the current geopolitical and strategic scenario of the region, Pakistan is revamping its partnership and relationship with countries like Russia. The unreliable friendship of US has always made Pakistan to be at the receiving end, leaving aside being taken as a partner. Russia and Pakistan needs to develop deep rooted and long lasting political, strategic, economic relations on the basis of sound and greater appeal for intellectual collaboration , so as to lift “the mist of mutual incomprehension left behind by the cold war”. Keeping this background, The Diplomatic Insight has arranged an exclusive interview session with newly arrived Ambassador of Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Alexey Yurievich Dedov to discuss about Pakistan-Russia Relations. Q: Thank you Excellency. How would you term the relationship between Pakistan and Russia? Ans: Thank you for providing me the opportunity to speak and share my thoughts with your readers of the Magazine and with your listeners through your Radio Channel FM 102. I believe that Pakistan and Russia enjoy very cordial relationship with each other. We have been cooperating in various fields of interest and collaborating to enjoy the relations. There were also various high level visits from both sides. We have cooperated with Pakistan in building Pakistan Steel Mills-a steel manufacturing unit near Karachi which can be considered as milestone in the successful bilateral relations. Pakistan and Russia have been exploring the prospects of enhanced bilateral cooperation through joint economic projects in the areas such as energy, power, railways , telecommunications and IT. Russia as one of the world's leading energy producers offered Pakistan to collaborate in this area. The two countries have had collaboration in the area of space and satellite technology and in the aviation field. Regarding international and regional cooperation, Russia has been supportive of Pakistan becoming full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pakistan has also shown its eagerness to develop strong political ties with Russia. We have been cooperating in the UN and on key international issues. We also share view on the need for a multi- polar world and the centrality of the UN role in the world affairs. Our relations have been growing over the past decade with top-level political and diplomatic engagement. Counter-terrorism, disarmament and arms control, drug-trafficking and global security are the major areas of convergence between the two countries at bilateral and multilateral levels. Q: What are the various areas of cooperation that you think Pakistan and Russia are achieving heights? And also if you can reflect on potentials for investment from both sides? Ans. We are cooperating on bilateral economic, political, defence and security levels. We are also trying to achieve the heights of excellence in all these mentioned fields especially enhancing our cooperation in business and economic sector. Our trade relations are facing huge challenges since businessmen on both sides have shown keen interest in each other's sphere of work but various factors have been affecting the links. One of the biggest problems in this regard is the geographical distance that has hampered the task of enhancing the link between the two business communities. However there is nothing in this world which is impossible. The volume of the trade is although around $ 550 million which is comparatively low but both countries have geared up to improve this to highest level. The bilateral trade of Russia and Pakistan need more practical steps to unleash the potential. There were several steps taken by both the governments to help and encourage businessmen to invest in each other's countries. There is bilateral commission on trade and economy relations which is a joint step to improve such matters. It is only through joint efforts that we will be able to achieve the heights of excellence. We also have no problems in visas and other related investment opportunities as you can see that Russian markets are very lucrative and huge in terms of investment opportunity. We can provide all the facilities and best possible trade environment to Pakistani businessmen. Along with this we are also interested to invest and cooperate in CASA-1000 which is one of the major electricity transmission infrastructures from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. We are also working on cooperating building of rail and roads track from Tajikistan to Pakistan. This would help to create corridors of communications. We are also interested to support the Iran-Pakistan(IP) gas pipeline by providing support from our energy giant Gazprom. Q: What are the various education linkages that Russian and Pakistanis see in each other's countries? Ans: Pakistan and Russian institutions have been cooperating with each other for quite a while. There is large numbers of students who are studying there in Russian Universities and several professors and teachers often visit Pakistan to share their knowledge and experience. We are also encouraging to develop people to people contacts based on mutual trust and cooperation in every field. This would enhance and strengthen the bilateral relations between the countries. Q:What is your message for people of Pakistan? Ans: My message to the people of Pakistan is hope, peace and prosperity. I wish them success in all spheres of work. Pakistani people are strong and showed their greater strength in fighting against all odds. Pakistan has huge potential and people are extremely dynamic and there is only need to unleash the potential and reach new heights. |