Russian scholar Natalia V Melekhina said that hostilities between Moscow and Islamabad were now part of history. She was hopeful that the existing differences between the two countries could be bridged through dialogue. She stressed the need for exchange of cultural and intellectual delegations. She said Pakistani students could benefit from Russian expertise in the fields of science and technology.
Pakistan, Russia Urged To Ignore Past
PESHAWAR: A two-day seminar on Pak-Russia relations concluded here Friday with the note that both the countries should forget hostilities of the past and approach each other afresh in the light of new international realities.
Professor Dr Azmat Hayat Khan, director of the Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, in his paper on economic relations between Russia and Pakistan opined that irrespective of the official policy the people of Pakistan were always inclined towards the defunct Soviet Union. He said the relationship between the two people had a long history.
“Even in struggle for independence from the British rule, our freedom fighters were looking for assistance from Moscow,” he remarked. He said that Russia was an Asian power and Pakistan’s future was tied with Asia and not the West. He suggested that Pakistan should strive for membership of the Shanghai Forum and improve its trade and economic ties with regional countries.
“Friendly relations with Russia are vital for Pakistan to boost trade ties with Central Asian States,” he added. The building oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia to India via Pakistan, which would bring big economic boom for the whole region, was not possible without cooperation of the Russian Federation, Prof Azmat Khan remarked.
The Professor urged Russia to use its influence and good relations with India for the solution of Kashmir dispute. He said solution of the Kashmir problem would not only reduce tension in the region but would also remove hurdles in the way of regional trade and cooperation.
The expert on Central Asia was also of the view that there were bright chances of defence cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan Army could benefit from Russian military hardware, which was more economic and suitable for our terrains, he added.
Dr Azmat urged the Russian scholars and diplomats not to judge Pakistan from what the western press published about the country. He said more and more interaction between scholars and experts of the two countries could pave the way for building strong bridges between the two nations.
Russian scholar Natalia V Melekhina said that hostilities between Moscow and Islamabad were now part of history. She was hopeful that the existing differences between the two countries could be bridged through dialogue. She stressed the need for exchange of cultural and intellectual delegations. She said Pakistani students could benefit from Russian expertise in the fields of science and technology.
