By In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan’s interim Premier, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, arrived in Beijing to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation. The focus of this summit was the burgeoning partnership between Pakistan and Russia and its implications for global politics.
During the sideline meeting at the BRF, Premier Kakar and Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined the importance of bolstering bilateral collaboration in a multitude of areas while addressing issues related to regional peace and security.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the consistent growth of the Pakistan-Russia relationship, emphasizing the need for broader cooperation across various sectors. President Putin extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Kakar, and their discussion encompassed a wide range of topics, including bilateral, regional, and international affairs.
One of the key areas of focus was enhancing Eurasian connectivity, recognizing Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional integration through the development of rail, road, and energy corridors.
Premier Kakar underscored the significance of regional integration to stimulate economic development across the entire region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to expanding and strengthening collaboration with Russia in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, and counterterrorism.
The leaders also engaged in dialogues regarding current regional and global developments, particularly the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Premier Kakar emphasized the convergence of interests between Pakistan and Russia on the issue of terrorism and called for a collective approach among Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, emphasizing intelligence sharing, defense collaboration, and concerted counter-terrorism efforts.
On the subject of energy cooperation, Premier Kakar pointed out that Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, faces significant energy challenges. He mentioned the fruitful discussions held between Pakistan’s energy minister and the Russian team during an Energy Week event in Russia, where concrete proposals for bolstering energy cooperation were presented.
Premier Kakar also recalled his prior visit to Russia as a senator, expressing his fascination with Russian architecture and its representation of Christianity and churches. He highlighted the cultural and ethical values shared between the two nations, transcending their geographic boundaries.
In his remarks, President Putin emphasized the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia, noting the considerable potential for collaboration, with trade relations witnessing substantial growth. Russia’s supply of approximately one million tons of cereals to Pakistan during the year was a notable highlight of this partnership.
Shifting the focus to regional dynamics, Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly called for the establishment of a viable and contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders, designating Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
This unified stance emerged during a meeting between Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum.
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli attacks and urged the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to provide aid to the besieged people of Gaza.
Premier Kakar emphasized the need for regional cooperation to combat poverty, promote economic growth, and enhance connectivity while expressing his commitment to fostering peace.
The leaders agreed to remain in contact, exchanging experiences and best practices, particularly in areas like the privatization of State-Owned Enterprises, thus strengthening bilateral ties and continuing their long-standing cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.
This meeting underlined the expanding web of diplomatic relations, forging a path towards a more connected and peaceful world.
