ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said that Russia is playing a constructive role in defusing the prevailing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in South Asia.
He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony held to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in World War II.
Speaking on the occasion, the president stressed the need for a joint effort for a better future for the region and the world.
The President highlighted the growing momentum in Pak-Russia relations and expressed confidence that recent high-level interactions between the two countries have laid a solid foundation for deeper engagement and greater understanding.
Recalling his 2011 visit to Russia, President Zardari acknowledged President Putin’s efforts to promote Pak-Russia friendship.
It is pertinent to mention that the Ambassador of Pakistan to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, in an interview with TASS, the Russian state-owned news agency, said, “We have very good relations with Russia at the moment, and we continue to consult on many issues.”
“We are already in touch with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the last meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Astana last year, we have had many exchanges of visits. There is no need to go into details, but in the last month alone, we have had at least four high-level [visits], from Russia to Pakistan and from Pakistan to Russia, respectively,” he said.
The ambassador pointed out that consultations have not been interrupted. “And we consider Russia an important player in international politics.”
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, and briefed him on the escalation of tension with India.
The two leaders also discussed the positive trajectory of Pak-Russia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across all sectors.
