News Desk |
On 2nd July, delegations from Russia and Pakistan sat down for the 4th round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Moscow.
4 round of Pak-Rus Political Consultations was held in Moscow today. AS (Europe) Zaheer A. Janjua and Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov led their respective sides. The bilateral relations was discussed. They also exchanged views on important global and regional issues. pic.twitter.com/RecHtj1cUV
— Pakistan Embassy Russia (@PakinRussia) July 2, 2019
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Pakistani delegation was spearheaded by Additional Secretary (Europe) Zaheer A Janjua and Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, I. V. Morgulov, led the Russian delegation.
Russia and Pakistan agreed to improve parliamentary dialogue to enhance their bilateral cooperation, and develop a mutual understanding marked with cooperation and growth.
Islamabad and Moscow undertook a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations, and stressed the need for further cooperation in the arenas of politics, trade and investment, economic growth, defence, culture and tourism, agriculture, energy and education.
Bilateral Engagement & Economic Growth
Additional Secretary Janjua notified the Russian delegation of the ongoing political and economic developments in Pakistan. He extended an invitation to Russian businesses and investors to take advantages of Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies, especially in the fields of energy, oil and gas, tourism, transport and infrastructure.
The press release issued by MoFA noted, “The two sides held in-depth discussions to increase cooperation in the field of agriculture and agricultural products, including post-harvest technologies, processing and value addition for meat, milk, fish and shellfish products.”
Read more: Pakistan and Russia closing in on better trade ties
Russia and Pakistan agreed to improve parliamentary dialogue to enhance their bilateral cooperation, and develop a mutual understanding marked with cooperation and growth. It was agreed that the two sides will engage in the sixth session of Inter-Governmental Commission, to be held in Islamabad on mutually agreed dates.
Additional Secretary Janjua noted that the strong cooperation between Russia and Pakistan in the field of energy has made their partnership a foundational pillar of their association. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to readily implement the ongoing energy projects.
Peace in South Asia
Additional Secretary Zaheer A Janjua briefed the Russian delegation of the ongoing situation in the region, and highlighted the recent episode of Indian aggression and Pakistan’s measured response in the wake of the false flag Pulwama attack.
Moscow and Islamabad indicated their satisfaction over their cooperation in the international arena and forums, including the United Nations.
MoFA announced, “The Additional Secretary highlighted the dire human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciated Russia’s constructive role in defusing tensions in South Asia.”
Janjua also informed the Russia delegation of Pakistan’s committed and efforts in facilitating the Afghan reconciliation process by enabling an intra-Afghan dialogue. The Additional Secretary stressed that the only way-forward to lasting peace is an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process to achieve a political settlement.
Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, I. V. Morgulov, expressed Moscow’s support for Pakistan’s construction role in facilitating the Afghan reconciliation process.
Moscow and Islamabad indicated their satisfaction over their cooperation in the international arena and forums, including the United Nations. The two countries agreed to solidify support for one another.
Read more: Where does Pakistan fit in the emerging US-Russia conflict in Afghanistan
The Bilateral Political Consultations provided the two countries an opportunity to review their overall cooperation, and identify new mediums and instruments to further expand and diversify their economic and political cooperation in various fields.
The next round of Pakistan-Russia Bilateral Political Consultations will take place in Islamabad in 2020.
Pak-Russia Defence Ties
On July 2, 2019 General of the Army Oleg Salyukov visited Pakistan on the invitation of COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa. During the visit the sides reiterated their determination to develop military cooperation in the interest of regional peace and security. pic.twitter.com/U7nTdhM1hH
— RusEmbassy_Pakistan (@RusEmbPakistan) July 3, 2019
On 2nd July, Army General Oleg Salyukov, the Commander in Chief Russian Ground Forces, held a meeting with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff at the General Head Quarters, Rawalpindi.
Upon his arrival, Commander in Chief of Russian Ground Forces, General Salyukov laid a flower wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada. He was also presented with a guard of honour from the Pakistan Army.
General Salyukov stressed that the entire world must appreciate Pakistan’s achievements in eradicating terrorism.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) informed that the meeting was focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of training and security cooperation. The two sides agreed to further expand the joint-military efforts between the Pakistani and Russian armies.
A press release issued by the ISPR noted, “COAS said that cooperation between both countries will not only help in improving peace and stability in the region, but will also usher economic prosperity.” It added, “Pakistan does not believe in zero sum games but rather, integration and cooperation.”
Commander in Chief of Russian Ground Forces, General Oleg Salyukov praised Pakistan Army’s professionalism and achievements in the war against terror. General Salyukov stressed that the entire world must appreciate Pakistan’s achievements in eradicating terrorism.
Read more: Pakistan, Russia to enhance naval cooperation
The Russian dignitary also expressed Russia’s desire to establish stronger and broad based relations with Pakistan.