ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ISSI- Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad- hosted a Round Table Discussion titled “Pakistan-Russia Relations Amid Changing Global World Order. Pakistan’s envoy to Russia Qazi Khalilullah was the keynote speaker of the Round Table Discussion.
The event, moderated by Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP), welcomed participants from the Russian Embassy, academia, think tanks, and various practitioners.
DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood opened the discussion by warmly welcoming the attendees and expressing gratitude to Ambassador Qazi Khalilullah for his insights. He praised Ambassador Qazi’s extensive diplomatic career, which includes key roles in Cuba, Myanmar, and Russia, highlighting his significant contributions to strengthening Pakistan-Russia relations, particularly during his tenure in Moscow.
Ambassador Mahmood noted the evolution of Pakistan-Russia relations from the Cold War era to the present day, characterizing the relationship as one marked by friendship, mutual understanding, and trust. He emphasized the partnership’s growth across various domains, including trade, energy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, while identifying opportunities for future collaboration in agriculture, aviation, and regional connectivity.
Ambassador Mahmood also highlighted the importance of Pakistan and Russia’s efforts in stabilizing Afghanistan and enhancing regional connectivity. He acknowledged Russia’s support for Pakistan’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and its backing of Pakistan’s aspirations to join BRICS. He emphasized both countries’ commitment to multilateralism, with a shared goal of avoiding a new Cold War amidst current global challenges.
In his address, Ambassador Qazi Khalilullah provided an in-depth overview of the current state of Pakistan-Russia relations, tracing the evolution from the Cold War years to a phase of mutual friendship.
He discussed the transformative changes in the Russian economy initiated by Perestroika and Glasnost in the 1990s, marking a shift toward a market-based system. The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 heralded a new beginning for Pakistan-Russia relations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation.
A pivotal moment in this relationship occurred in 2014 with the signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement, followed by a gas pipeline agreement in 2015. Ambassador Qazi noted that regular dialogues on key bilateral issues, including arms control and counterterrorism, have been established, fostering a peaceful and cooperative relationship devoid of demands from either side.
In September 2024, the inaugural Pakistan-Russia Trade Forum took place, culminating in a Barter Trade Agreement that underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. Ambassador Qazi highlighted the upcoming visit of the Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan for the SCO Summit in Islamabad, emphasizing Russia’s vital role in Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic strategies.
Discussing the SCO’s significance, Ambassador Qazi proposed the appointment of special envoys by each member country to enhance focus on connectivity and development, which could improve the organization’s effectiveness.
The roundtable included an interactive session covering topics such as diplomatic ties, trade, education, military cooperation, and regional connectivity. Participants emphasized the need for stronger academic exchanges and people-to-people connections, noting the increasing number of Pakistani students in Russia.
The discussion also addressed joint military exercises as crucial for counterterrorism efforts, along with the implications of the Ukraine war and energy collaboration. The dialogue reaffirmed Pakistan’s balanced foreign policy, maintaining strong relations with both Russia and the United States.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI, concluded the roundtable by expressing gratitude to participants and reaffirming ISSI’s commitment to fostering strategic dialogue and collaboration.
He highlighted the promising trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations and the importance of enhancing this partnership through deeper integration, connectivity, trade, and commerce, along with recent progress in high-level contacts.
