VIPUSKNIK

1948

2018

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 02

Pak Uzbek Trade Centre Met with Uzbekistan Chamber of

Commerce and Industry

H.E. Igor Vladimirovich
Morgulov
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Russian Federation
Russia-Pakistan:
new vistas of
cooperation
Commemorating
the 70th
Anniversary of
bilateral relations
On 1st of May the Russian Federation
and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
celebrate a significant date: 70 years
ago diplomatic relations between our
States were established on that day.
Over the past decades bilateral ties
have experienced ups and downs.
Certain events in Afghanistan at the
end of 1970s-1980s have left a nega-
tive mark on them. However, even
during the most difficult times our
country provided economic assistance
to Pakistan, promoted the develop-
ment of oil and gas industry of Paki-
stan and construction of its energy
70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations
03
facilities, supplied agricultural rity issues and counterterrorism and
machinery. The Karachi Steel Mills held negotiations with the leadership
was constructed with the help of the of Pakistan.
USSR at the beginning of the 1980s. It
still remains the largest industrial We maintain dialogue with our Paki-
plant in Pakistan and is rightly a stani partners on a wide range of
symbol of our friendship. In 1980 the issues of regional and international
Guddu Thermal Power Plant was put agenda through relevant consultative
into operation. Constructed with the mechanisms between the Foreign
participation of Soviet specialists it Ministries. Among these issues are:
was at that time the largest thermal counterterrorism, strategic stability,
power station in the Islamic Republic situation in Afghanistan and Central
of Pakistan. Asia. There is an active interaction
between other ministries and agencies
In December 1991 Pakistan was one of of both countries.
the first to recognize the Russian
Federation as the legal successor of The potential of our partnership was
the Soviet Union. Since the early significantly advanced since Islam-
2000s the bilateral relations have abad became a full-fledged member of
been developing dynamically in an the Shanghai cooperation organiza-
incremental manner. Russia regards tion in June 2017. We are glad that
Pakistan as a promising partner, with Pakistan is actively engaging in the
whom we evolve a long-term multi practical work of the Organisation. We
sectoral cooperation including for the count upon support by Islamabad of
strengthening of stability in the region the plans to create a universal Centre
of South Asia and beyond. What is on countering new challenges and
particularly important the relations threats on the basis of SCO Regional
between Russia and Pakistan have Anti-Terrorist Structure. This will
their own value that is not subject to enable Member States to improve
changes of the situation on the inter- coordination of professional efforts
national arena. and to raise efficiency of use of
relevant resources.
In recent years, bilateral political
dialogue has been intensified. In 2017 Our States cooperate on multilateral
two meetings between the leaders platforms, first of all in the UN and its
were held – on the sidelines of the specialised agencies. Moscow and
summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Islamabad are united by the aspiration
Organization (SCO) in Astana in June for a multi-polar world order, respect
and on the sidelines of the meeting of for international law, denial of
the Council of Heads of SCO member attempts of interference in domestic
States in Sochi. affairs of sovereign States including
those under humanitarian pretext. We
These summits proved that the both value the support that Pakistan gives
sides are mutually interested in to such Russian priorities in the UN as
enhancing multidimensional coopera- international information security,
tion. Practical steps on its develop- transparency and confidence-building
ment were discussed last February measures in outer space and combat
during a working visit to Moscow of against glorification of Nazism.
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paki-
We stand for deepening the coordina-
stan H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
tion of efforts of the international
Inter-parliamentary contacts are an community on the Afghan track. Dete-
important element of interaction riorating security situation in Afghani-
between Russia and Pakistan. A land- stan, the rise of the terrorist and drugs
mark event was the visit of H.E. threats coming from this country
Vyacheslav V. Volodin, Chairman of directly affect both Russia and Paki-
the State Duma of the Russian Federa- stan. Our countries hold the same
tion, during which he participated in view that Afghanistan should become
the Conference of the Heads of parlia- a peaceful state, free of terrorism and
ments of Russia, Pakistan, China, drug-related crime.
Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey on secu-

In this context, as the first priority task
we consider the earliest start of the
national reconciliation process the
modality of which must be determined
by Afghans themselves. We are confi-
dent that the principle of fair and
equal partnership, which has been laid
in the foundation of the Moscow
format of consultations on Afghani-
stan and the SCO-Afghanistan Contact
group, takes into account the interests
of all regional actors and perfectly
meets the goal of the launch of the
dialogue between the Afghans.
Countering new challenges and
threats, first of all international terror-
ism, is the priority sphere of bilateral
cooperation. We are aware of heavy
losses of Pakistan in the struggle
against this global evil. From 2001
about 60 000 Pakistanis, including 10
000 militaries and law-enforcement
officers, have been killed by terrorists.
We support the efforts of Islamabad
aimed at eradicating hotbeds of
terrorism and religious extremism in
the territory of Pakistan including the
adjacent to Afghanistan Pashtun tribal
areas.
On our part, we will continue to give
practical assistance for strengthening
the antiterrorist potential of Pakistan,
what, as we are convinced, meets
interests of other regional countries.
Our bilateral military and technical
cooperation is aimed at increasing
military capacity of the Pakistani secu-
rity structures combating terrorists.
In this very context we should view the
contract on the supply of Russian
military transport helicopters MI-35
M to Pakistan, which is being imple-
mented. We proceed from the
assumption that these aircrafts will be
useful in conducting counter-terror-
ism operations.
We will continue well-proven practice
of holding joint tactical exercise “Dru-
zhba” (“Friendship”) on coordination
of counter-terrorism operations in
mountain area. The first round of such
exercise took place in Khyber-Pakh-
tunkhwa in 2016, and the second in The interested economic operators of
Karachaevo-Cirkassia region of Russia the two countries also study other
in 2017. joint projects. Among them supply of
the Russian liquefied natural gas to
We are building up cooperation in Pakistan, as well as construction of the
70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations
04
antinarcotics sphere. Both the Minis- Iran-Pakistan-India sea pipeline can
try of Internal Affairs of Russia and be named. Russian companies are also
the Anti Narcotics Force of Pakistan ready to promote modernization of the
have developed information sharing Pakistani energy sector, including
on issues of countering drug traffick- reconstruction the existing and
ing, prevention of illicit trafficking and construction of new thermal power
use of drugs as well as relevant statis- plants.
tics and expertise. We have accumu-
lated best practices in training of The continuing strengthening of inter-
specialists: dozens of Pakistani ANF regional communications is truly
officers have undergone training in pleasing. We have established steady
Russia on a pro bono basis. contacts between the Republic of
Tatarstan and the province of Punjab
An economic component of – which was in many respects promot-
Russian-Pakistani relations does not ed by a visit of the President of
correspond to the existing potential. Tatarstan Rustam N.Minnikhanov to
Certainly, efforts are needed to Pakistan in March, 2017. In October of
increase mutual trade, which is now the same year the agreement on coop-
around 540 million US dollars, as well eration between the governments of
as to diversify its structure and to St. Petersburg and the province of
promote investment projects in the Sindh was signed. Now "the road map"
partner country. Leaders of both our on implementation of this document
countries have tasked to force the is being developed.
development of trade and economic
ties, which are needed to be risen the Cultural and humanitarian relations
new level. In this context, we have are being consistently strengthened.
high expectations of theWe welcome interest of the Pakistani
Russian-Pakistani Intergovernmental youth in study in the Russian higher
Commission on Trade, Economic, education institutions. According to
Scientific and Technical Cooperation, the agreement reached at the top-level
within the framework of which the number of the state grants provid-
specific projects of businessed to citizens of Pakistan for training
partnerships are being considered. in Russia will be increased gradually.
The fifth meeting of the IGC took placeWe support the activity of the Paki-
in Moscow in November of 2017 under stani Association of graduates of the
chairmanship of Minister of Industry Soviet and Russian higher education
and Trade of the Russian Federation institutions that unite several thou-
Mr. Denis V. Manturov and Minister sands of people. In 2017 the member
of Defence of the Islamic Republic of of the Association Dr. Najam Ul Sahar
Pakistan Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan. Batt – the author of brilliant transla-
The most important now is to ensure tions of the Russian classical literature
that the agreements reached are in Urdu - was awarded by the medal of
implemented. Pushkin for a big personal contribu-
tion to promoting and advance of
There is a tremendous scope for a Russian and culture abroad.
cooperation in energy sector, which
has been established in Pakistan with Russia and Pakistan have all reasons
the help of Soviet specialists. The to look with optimism into the future
flagship project– construction of the of the partnership. The relations of
1100 km long North-South gas pipe- our states are based on the strong base
line with a capacity of 12,4 billion of equality, mutual trust, respect for
cubic meters a year which will connect international law, coincidence or
the LNG terminals in Karachi and proximity of approaches to topical
Lahore in accordance with the inter- issues of the global and regional
governmental agreement of 2015. agenda.
 05
the Muzaffargarh Thermal Power Energy is the most promising sphere
Plant were constructed and commis- of our cooperation. The Intergovern-
sioned with the help of the Soviet mental Agreement on construction of
company “Technopromexport” in the “North – South” Gas Pipeline from
1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively. Karachi to Lahore was signed on Octo-
During the visit of the Prime Minister ber 16, 2015 in Islamabad by the
of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif to Russia in Minister of Energy of Russia A.V.No-
April 1999 the Intergovernmental vak and the Minister of Petroleum and
Agreement on Trade and Economic Natural Resources of Pakistan Shahid
Cooperation was signed. Khaqan Abbasi. The pipeline with a
length of 1100 km and a capacity of up
Alexey Dedov One of the main result of the signed to 12.4 billion cubic meters of gas will
Ambassador of the Russian agreement was establishment of the connect the terminals in Karachi and
Federation to the Islamic Republic of effective institutional mechanism of Lahore for receiving liquefied natural
Pakistan our bilateral interaction on March 30, gas. The project assumes the maxi-
2000 – the Intergovernmental Com- mum use of technologies, materials
Economic mission on Trade, Economic, Scientif-
ic and Technical Cooperation (IGC).
and equipment produced in Russia,
involvement of Russian research,
Cooperation Its 4th session held in Islamabad on design and construction organiza-
November 18-20, 2015 was very tions. This is going to be a big step
between Russia and important in terms of further develop- towards Pakistan’s self-sufficiency in
Pakistan ment of Russia-Pakistan trade and energy.
Achievements and Challenges economic ties. The Ministry of Science
of Russia and the Ministry of Science The legal basis of our bilateral
On May 1, 2018 Russia and Pakistan and Technology of Pakistan signed a economic cooperation was further
are celebrating the 70th anniversary of Memorandum of Understanding on strengthened in 2017 by conclusion of
establishing bilateral diplomatic Cooperation in Science and Technolo- the Intergovernmental Agreement on
relations. Our countries are bound by gy. Cooperation in the Sphere of Lique-
strong ties of friendship based on fied Natural Gas Supplies on October
mutual respect and partnership, Besides, within the IGC framework the 13. Besides, the Russian company
desire for multi-faceted and equal First Pakistan Russia Investment “Gazprom EP International B.V.” and
cooperation. Russia attaches great Forum was held in which over 80 the Pakistani “Oil and Gas Develop-
importance to its relations with Paki- Russian businessmen, officials and ment Company LTD” have signed
stan, particularly taking into account experts from various sectors partici- Memorandum of Understanding on
the latter’s influence in the Muslim pated. As a result the prospects of July 4 in Saint-Petersburg.
World as well as in South and widening the scope of bilateral trade
South-Western Asia, which directly became much more distinct. A signifi- Pursuing further investment opportu-
border southern frontiers of the CIS. cant achievement of the IGC 4th nities in Pakistan the Russian consor-
session is also initiation of the Draft tium of companies “Himmash Appa-
Trade and economic relations between Agreement on Settlement of Mutual rat” and “Orpheus Energy” signed an
Pakistan and the USSR were estab- Financial Claims and Obligations on agreement on January 27, 2018 with
lished in the early 1950s, with signing operations of the former USSR. the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas
of the Agreement on Economic and Company Limited for establishing an
Technical Cooperation. But its real The IGC 5th plenary session in oil refinery in Kohat with capacity to
development began in 1961 when the Moscow held on November 30, 2017 purify 200,000 barrels oil per day.
Soviet Union provided a considerable and chaired by the Minister of Indus-
loan to Pakistan which helped to start try and Trade of Russia D.V.Manturov According to the prior signed contract
development of the country’s oil and and the Federal Minister for Defence the Russian company “Russian
gas fields. In 1981 the thermal power of Pakistan Khurram Dastgir Khan has Helicopters” has supplied the govern-
plant "Guddu" was commissioned added pace to dynamic development ments of Punjab and Balochistan with
with the participation of Soviet of our economic relations. one helicopter Mi-171 each in 2017.
specialists. A successful construction
of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in The meetings of the following bilateral On January 15, 2018 the Central Bank
Karachi in 1985 with a capacity of 1.1 bodies were held successfully in of the Russian Federation and the
mln tons of steel per year became a Moscow in 2017: the 1st session of the State Bank of Pakistan have signed in
milestone in the successful bilateral Joint Working Group on Trade and Moscow the Memorandum of Under-
relations. Investment (November 28-29), the standing on Bilateral Banking Cooper-
5th session the Russia-Pakistan Joint ation.
The further impetus to economic Working Group on Energy (November
cooperation between the two coun- 29). Interaction between the regions of
tries was given in 1990s. Three units of Russia and Pakistan has also gained

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 06
momentum in 2015-2017. A visit of our links, including geographical distance and existing financial counterclaims
the delegation of the Trade Develop- between our countries related to the Soviet period.
ment Authority of Pakistan to Moscow
and Saint Petersburg in September However, we see a lot of promising opportunities in the economic field. We
2015 discovered new exciting oppor- intend to diversify trade and investment contacts, improve the legal framework
tunities for business links with of our relations. Russian business circles are ready to implement mutually
Russian counterparts. A follow-up trip beneficial projects in energy, railways, telecommunications and IT. Russia has
of a group of Pakistani businessmen to put forward a number of proposals to enhance cooperation in construction of
Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, two offshore gas pipeline, power and refining plants, crude oil and oil products
industrially developed regions of supply, geological exploration, steel industry, advanced optical and aeronaviga-
Russia, in 2016 promises to open new tion systems, digital TV, promotion of aircrafts, railcars, trucks, medical and
vistas for bilateral trade cooperation agriculture equipment, water and sanitation facilities, advanced IT and phar-
between the regions of our countries. maceutical products to the Pakistani market.
Inter-regional cooperation was facili-
tated by the visit of the President of The untapped potential of our economic cooperation is huge and has yet to be
the Republic of Tatarstan R.N.Min- fulfilled. We are sure that the combined efforts of Russia and Pakistan will
nikhanov to Lahore and Islamabad result in a new impetus to development of our multi-dimensional economic
(March 17-19, 2017). His Lahore visit interaction.
was marked by the 1st Tatarstan-Pun-
jab Business-Forum, during which the
following important documents were
signed: Agreement on Cooperation
between the Lahore Chamber of Com-
merce and Industry and the Chamber
of Commerce of the Republic of
Tatarstan, as well as Memorandum of
Understanding between the State
Autonomous Institution IT Park,
Kazan and the Center of Entrepre-
neurship «PlanX» of the Lahore
University of Information Technolo-
gies in the Sphere of High Technolo-
gies.

Interaction on the level of the Russian

and Pakistani regions was enhanced
by the Agreement between the
Government of Saint-Petersburg and
the Government of Sindh on Coopera-
tion in the Trade, Economic, Scientif-
ic, Technical and Cultural Fields
signed on October 23, 2017. The
Dr. Najam S. Butt Decorated with Pushkin Award
Saint-Petersburg – Sindh Business
Forum was also held on the basis of
the Saint-Petersburg Chamber of
Commerce and Industry.

The trade between Russia and Paki-

stan started developing rapidly – its
volume has grown by 33.6% and
reached USD 541 million in 2017
mainly due to increase of the Russian
export to Pakistan by 96.3% (USD 261
million). Pakistani export to Russia
has grown by 2.9% - USD 280 million.
Our economic relations are facing
huge challenges. Definitely, a trade
amount of USD 541 million does not
correspond to potential of cooperation
between Russia and Pakistan. Various
objective factors have been affecting

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 07
Statement on Economic Cooperation
between Russia and Pakistan.
Yuri Kozlov
Trade Representative of
Russian Federation.
I am delighted to share my thoughts with the readers on the
occasion of Russia Day. This year is very special for Russia
and for Pakistan, because both countries are celebrating 70
years of friendly and mutual beneficial economic
cooperation. Trade and economic relations between
Pakistan and USSR were established in the early 1950s,
with signing of the Agreement on Economic and Technical
Cooperation. But its real development began in 1961, when
the Soviet Union provided a considerable loan to Pakistan,
which helped to start development of the country’s oil and
gas fields. In 1981 the Thermal Power Plant "Guddu" was
commissioned with the participation of Soviet specialists.
The construction of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in
Karachi in 1985 with a capacity of 1.1 mln tons of steel per
year became a milestone in the successful bilateral
relations. The further impetus to economic cooperation
between the two countries was provided in 1990s. Three
units of the Muzaffargarh Thermal Power Plant were
constructed and commissioned with the help of the Soviet
M/s. “Technopromexport” in 1993, 1994 and 1995
respectively.
During the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Dear friends! I wish you success and prosperity!
70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations
Sharif to Russia in April 1999 the Intergovernmental
Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation was
signed. One of the main results of the signed agreement
was establishment of the effective institutional mechanism
of our bilateral interaction – the Intergovernmental
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical
Cooperation (IGC). Its latest, 5th session was held in
Moscow on November 30, 2017 and chaired by the
Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Denis V.
Manturov and the Federal Minister for Defence of Pakistan
Khurram Dastgir Khan. It has added pace to dynamic
development of our economic relations.
The current performance of bilateral trade between Russia
and Pakistan is developing – its volume has grown by
33.5% and reached USD 541 million in 2017, mainly due to
the increase of the Russian export to Pakistan by 96.3%
(USD 261 million). But these figures do not correspond to
potential of cooperation between our countries. Trade is
limited up to five main products while the scope is much
larger. In 2017, the main products of Russian export were
rolled steel, peas and lentil, coal and coal smut, newsprint
paper and civil helicopters. Russian import from Pakistan
includes ready made textile clothing and garments, citrus
fruit, leather products, rice and bed linen.
We intend to diversify trade and investment contacts,
improve the legal framework of our relations. Russian
business circles are ready to implement mutually beneficial
projects in energy, railways, telecommunications and IT.
Russia has put forward a number of proposals to enhance
cooperation in construction of offshore gas pipelines,
power plants and refineries, supplies of crude oil and
petrochemical products, geological exploration, banking,
steel industry, advanced optical and aeronavigation
systems, promotion of modern Russian aircrafts, railcars,
medical and agriculture equipment, water and sanitation
facilities, smart cities and advanced IT technologies to the
Pakistani market.
 08

President Putin Elected: Assurance of World Peace and

Economic Stability of Russia
By Ashique Hamdani
With the 77% of total polled vote, Russian incumbent Central Bank aggressively expanded money supply to
President Mr. Vladimir Putin won reelection for his combat Inflation. World Bank in 2007 declared that the
second consecutive (fourth overall) term, on 18 March Russian economy achieved "unprecedented
2018. President Mr. Vladimir Putin is not only in Russia macroeconomic stability".
but the most powerful leader in the world.
According to survey of Financial Times in 2012, Russia
President Putin came into power at extremely crucial time was second by economic performance among G20.
in the modern history of Russia; suffering with Russian performance and economic estimate on seven
consequences of IMF supported "shock therapy", program measures: gross domestic product growth, budget deficit
of market-oriented reform, based on the and government debt; economic recovery – output
recommendations of a group of top American economists, compared with the pre-crisis peak; change in debt since
including Mr. Larry Summers, followed by Prime 2009; change in unemployment from 2009 to 2013; and,
Minister Yegor Gaidar and privatisation’s Chief Mr. finally, the deviation of the current account from balance.
Anatoly Chubais, which passed to corrupt and haphazard Russia is listed among best countries for business in
privatization processes turned over major state-owned world. Mr. Herman Gref former Minister of Economy
firms to politically viewed Russian
c o n n e c t e d economy “not a crisis
"oligarchs", flows of but rather a new
capital that left the reality"
country illegally and
brought disastrous Russia has become
hyperinflation and 7th largest economy
GDP falling by more of the world, its
than 40% by 1999, success story, under
which wiped out the leadership of
personal savings, President Putin,
crime and destitution indicates promising
spreading rapidly. In index of GDP: $4
the 1990s Russia was trillion, with, per
"the largest capita (PPP):
borrower" from the $27,900, Exports:
International $336.8 billion and
Monetary Fund with Imports: $212.7
loans totaling $20 billion in 2017.
billion.
Russian leaders,
Recalling my particularly, one
memories from the among the most
street of Vilnius, respectful Mr. Yevgeny
Lithuania where I was residing since 1995, about Primakov, orientalist, former Prime Minster and
President Boris Yeltsin shocked announcement of his architecture of Post-Soviet Russian Foreign Policy ,
resignation as president, in his midnight speech with advocated to diversify the economy, to reduce its
amazing words, “Russia needs a new leader at the dependence on raw material, commodities, oil, gas and to
beginning of new millennium” and he handed over power foster a high-technology sector.
to Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, who then became
acting President of Russian Federation. World media was Chapter 4 of the Constitution of Russian Federation
shouting “Who is Putin?” defines authority and obligations of The President of the
Russian Federation. Article No 80, of the constitution
After historical victory in 2000 election President Putin pronounces that the President of the Russian Federation
initiated a pro-growth economic reforms including a shall be the head of the State and guarantor of the
comprehensive tax reform, and a broad effort to improved Constitution of the Russian Federation, of the rights and
small and medium-sized enterprises. Russian economy freedoms of citizen. According to the rules fixed by the
got a major boost from rising commodity prices. GDP Constitution of the Russian Federation, he shall adopt
grew on average 7% per year. Disposable incomes more measures to protect the sovereignty of the Russian
than doubled. The number of people living below poverty Federation, its independence and state integrity, ensure
line declined from 30% in 2000 to 14% in 2008. Russian coordinated functioning and interaction of all the bodies

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 09
of state power. Russian constitution declares that
President of the Russian Federation shall determine the
guidelines of the internal and foreign policies of the State,
represents the Russian Federation within the country and
in international relations.
Article 81 defines that President shall be elected for the
period of six years by citizens of the Russian Federation on
the basis of universal, equal, direct by secret ballot. Any
citizen of the Russian Federation, not younger than 35
years of age, and with a permanent residence in Russian
Federation of not less than 10 years may be elected
President of the Russian Federation.
Power and authority of The President of the Russian
Federation described in several article No 83 of the
constitution which includes among several other
appointing Prime Minster of the Government of the
Russian Federation, appointing and dismissal of
Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian, deputy
prime misters, and federal ministers, judges of the
Constitution Court, the Supreme Court of the Higher
Court of Arbitration, as well as a candidate for the post of
the Procurator-General , judges of other federal courts;
form and head the Security Council of the Russian
Federation, diplomatic representatives of the Russian
Federation in foreign States and international
organizations , plenipotentiary representatives, supreme
command of the Armed Forces and approve the military
doctrine of the Russian Federation. Article 84 describes
relationship of the President with Russian Parliament. In
Article 85 The President of the Russian Federation , have
right to use conciliatory procedures to solve disputes
between the bodies of state authority of the Russian
Federation and bodies of state authority of the subjects of
the Russian Federation, as well as between bodies of state
authority of the subjects of the Russian Federation.
Nomination for the candidacy of the office of President
has to follow the unique norms and obligations which
make this election more democratic and representative.
According with Election Commission’s rules, anyone who
may aspirants of presidential candidacy have to collect a
significant number of signatures of voters except the
candidates of those political parties which are having
representation of not less than one-third of the federal
units in the State Duma or the legislative bodies.
Currently seven political parties are complying with these
criteria and they were eligible to nominate candidates in
election 2018, without collecting signatures. Civic
Platform, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation,
the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, A Just Russia,
Rodina and United Russia were qualifying the criteria, but
Civic Platform, A Just Russia, and Rodina decided to
support candidacy of President Mr. Vladimir Putin and
they didn’t a put a candidate in election 2018.
An aspirant of any political party that without any seats in
the State Duma had to collect 105,000 signatures to
70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations
become candidates, while those running as independents
not only had to collect 315,000 but also to form a supporter
group of at least 500 people.
According to the rules, president is elected by direct
popular vote in a two-round majoritarian contest if no
candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the first round,
the two candidates with the most votes advance to a
run-off. At the same time, the candidate is considered
elected if he has received at least 50 percent of the votes
and if at least 50% of the eligible votes have been polled,
which makes Russian presidential election among the most
representative and genuine in the world.
It might be interested for readers to compare procedures of
Presidential elections of Russian Federation and United
Sates of America. In United Sates the President and Vice
President are not elected directly by the people. Instead,
they’re chosen by “electors” through a process called the
Electoral College, whereas in Russia peoples are having
right to elect the president by their votes. In US with 59.7%
of total turnout in election 2016, Mrs. Clinton won election
with 48% of majority votes compared to Trump's who
gained only 46% of votes, but became President by
so-called Electoral College whereas in Russia President
Putin reelected with 77% of vote in 67.54% turn out of
eligible voters.
In a various opinion polls, public opinion across the world
and particularly in developing countries reelection of
President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed. He will be
leading the country for another six years, until 2024.
During his new period, President Mr. Vladimir Putin has
promised to improve Russia’s defenses and to raise the
living standards of the population, which clearly identifies
a world position and domestic stability agenda that
defiantly will contribute in peace and stability across the
world. A predictable Russia, with domestic stability and
global peace will be proven as great asset to articulate
interdependent multi-polar world order in 3rd decades of
21st century.
Ashique Hamdani, member of
VIPUSKNIK editorial board, a
journalist and social activist, is
Secretary General of Euro Asia
Business Forum, He lived in USSR,
Russia, Lithuania and Kazakhstan
for more than 20 years and now
based in Lahore, can be reached by
Email: hamdaniashique@gmail.com
 10

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 11

Gen. Qammar Javed Bajwa Visits Moscow

“Pakistan is a geo-strategically important country”
Colonel General Oleg Salyukov
Report By: Ishtiaque Hamdani

Russia said Pakistan is a ‘Geo-strategically important’
country and “it is keen to expand its existing
military-to-military cooperation” in a significant
development. The Russian offer to expand defence and
security ties with Pakistan came during Army Chief
General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s visit to Moscow.
Gen Bajwa held talks with Colonel General Oleg Salyukov,
Commander Russian Federation Ground Forces, at
Kremlin Palace. “Upon arrival the COAS was presented
guard of honour who laid wreath at the Tomb of Unknown
Soldier. National anthems of both countries were played,”
said a handout issued by the military’s media wing here.
The notable outcome of the meeting was the
acknowledgment by the top Russian military commander
for Pakistan’s achievement in the fight against terrorism
and contribution for regional peace and stability.
“Pakistan is a geo-strategically important country and
Russia is keen to expand its existing bilateral military to
military cooperation,” the Russian Ground Forces
Commander said.
Gen Bajwa thanked General Oleg and said that Pakistan
reciprocates desire of enhanced bilateral military
engagements. He said that Russia had recently played a
positive role to help resolve complex situations in the
region. He said Pakistan will continue to play its part in
keeping conflicts away from the region and “seek
approaches which bring regional convergences into play
rather than the divergences”
Mr. Ishtiaque Hamdani is only Pakistani
origin, Russian journalist accredited with
Government of Russia, he is member of
Advisory Board, “Union of Nationalities”
journal Committee on Nationalities of
Russian Parliament (Duma). He is editor
of online Urdu newspaper “Sada e Rus”
Moscow (www.sadaerus.com) and
director Russian tourist company
STRACK Line (http://fly-moscow.ru).
He can be reached by + 79653745555

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 12

Faisalabad Celebrated 70th Anniversary of

Pakistan-Russia Diplomatic Relation
Faisalabad: Visit of Vladimir Berezyuk Charge d” Affairs Russian Embassy
Organization committee
for celebration of 70th
anniversary of Russian
Diplomatic Relations
organized visit of
Excellency Vladirmir
Berezyuk to Pakistan.
Russian envoy
participated in events of
Faisalabad Chamber of
Commerce and Industries,
Pakistan Hosiery
Manufactures Association and Pakistan Textile Exporter
Association, Excellency Vladirmir Berezyuk was the chief
guest of the event.
Addressing the members of the Faisalabad Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he mentioned the Russian
cooperation in the development of Pak economy and told
that Karachi Steel Mills and Gudhu Power Plant are
examples of our mutual and highly productive cooperation.
He said that recently Pakistan and Russia inked an
agreement to lay Karachi-Lahore pipeline which is
expected to resolve multiple energy related problems of
Pakistan. He said that this year Pakistan and a consortium
of Russian Federation inked an agreement to establish an
oil refinery at Kohat. “It will have capacity to refine
hundred thousand barrels of oil per day”, he said and
added that yet another agreement would also be signed to
promote banking channels between the two countries.
Expressing satisfaction over the promotion of bilateral
relations between the two countries, Vladirmir Berezyuk
said that it is growing at a much faster pace. He stressed the
need to diversify the trade to fully capitalize potentialities
available in the two countries.
He also identified railways, communication, construction, agreement between the two countries, which may prove
refinery and other major sectors in which two countries
could further expand their collaboration in the coming
years. However, he said that after concerted efforts by the
two governments, the businessmen of Pakistan and Russia
should also play a proactive role to strengthen their mutual
relations.
About cooperation in education sector, he said that
Moscow was ready to send a delegation to Pakistan to
explore the opportunities for bilateral exchange of students
and faculty members of leading universities of the two
countries.
Earlier in his address of welcome, acting president of FCCI
Farooq Yusuf said that Pakistan and Russian Federation
are enjoying good economic and diplomatic ties since 1948.
He said that the trade volume between the two countries in
2016 was 402.78 million dollars. However, Pakistan
exported goods worth 144.71 million dollars as against the
imports of 258.01million dollars from the Russian
Federation. “Thus the balance of trade is in favor of
Russia”, he added. Continuing, he said that the share of
Pakistan exports is very small as against the total Russian
imports of 182 billion Dollars.
He further said that there are vast prospects of expansion
of bilateral trade including joint ventures in textiles,
agro-based industry, live stock industry, leather goods, oil
and gas exploration, information technology and tourism.
He said that being the 5th largest wheat, rice, cotton, milk
and onion producing country Pakistan has ample potential
to promote bilateral trade relations with Russian
Federation for the promotion of economies of both the
countries. He also underlined the need of creating linkage
between Moscow Chamber of Trade & Commerce and FCCI
to promote businessmen to businessmen relations between
the two countries.
Farooq Yusuf also stressed the need to sign free trade
one of the best ways to enhance volume of bilateral trade.

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 13
“Impacts of FIFA 2018:
Trade & Cultural Diplomacy among the Member States”
Seminar held in Islamabad
In collaboration with Embassy of Russian Federation,
Corporate thin tank Euro Asia Business Forum organized a
Seminar “Impacts of FIFA 2018: Trade & Cultural
Diplomacy among the Member States” in Islamabad. His
Excellency Mr. Vladimir Berezyuk, Charge D Affairs,
Embassy of Russian Federation was Chief Guest. Mr.
Imtiaz Khan Lodhi former Chairman of Pakistan Steel was
Guest of Honor.
Mr. Vladimir Berezyuk, in his address said “We are living
in turbulent times. The structure of international relations
is becoming increasingly complex. Tensions are rising due
to disparities in global development. Attempts to impose
values on others can stoke xenophobia, intolerance and
conflict in international affairs, leading ultimately to chaos
and an uncontrolled situation in international relations. I
would like to quote the Foreign policy concept of the
Russian Federation that “Russia is fighting not against
someone, but for the resolution of all the issues on an equal
and mutually respectful basis”. Therefore, our country
utilizes all peaceful means for that, including promoting
people-to-people contacts, trade, culture and sports
between our countries” He appreciated the notion and
concepts introducing Cultural diplomacy and linking it
FIFA 2018.
Mr. Imtiaz Khan Lodhi spoke about role of Steel Mill in
trust building between Russia and Pakistan at people level
and said future of Russia Pakistan relations. Brigadier ®
Saif Ullah Orkza, Director of Dewan Group, who served in
UN Peacekeeping missions in various countries
highlighted role of cultural and sports diplomacy in
peacekeeping.
Mr. Sentyurin Vyacheslav, Second Secretary of Embassy of
70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations
Report by: Khalid Khan
Russian Federation briefed audience with multimedia
presentation about preparation and procedure to
participate in FIFA World Cup 2018, which will be held in
11 cities of Russia in summer 2018.
Mr. Khalid khan, president of EAB Forum, in his welcome
address thanks to audience and briefed about objectives of
Euro Asia Business Forum, which includes networking
with trade bodies, social enterprises, district government,
media and civil society organization , professional and
vocational skill development, trainings, strengthening,
corporate, industry and academia relations, facilitating
trade mission and international organization, supporting
Arts, cultural and sports activities , social enlistment,
pluralist values, rational secular and democratic values in
society, media and business relations
Mr. Ashique Hamdani General Secretary of Euro Asia
Business Forum talked about importance of trade and
cultural diplomacy in Eurasia region and said that EAB
Forum is social enterprise to promote business trade,
investment, industrial, technical, academic and cultural
cooperation with Asian and European countries, primarily
focusing upon Central and East Europe, Baltic, Balkan,
Caucus and Central Asian republics. Prime focus of EAB
Forum is Empowering Pakistan’s relations with European
and Asian markets in mutual interests and business
opportunisms. Amir Mehmood spoke about importance of
tourism in cultural diplomacy. Mr. Faysal Khan Vice
President of EAB Forum presented vote of thanks.
Diplomats from various countries, business community
from Lahore, and Sialkot, cultural and film industry
officials, media, civil society, football sports clubs and
other sectors are participating in event.
 14

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 15

“Impacts of FIFA
2018:
Trade & Cultural
Diplomacy
among the
Member States”

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 16

“Impacts of FIFA 2018:

Trade & Cultural Diplomacy among the Member States”

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 17

USSR Visit: Field Marshal Ayub Khan and President

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 18

Pakistani
Diplomat
with
President
Boris
Yelstein

Russia Pakistan Dialogue in Pictures

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 19

President V. Putin, Prime Minister D. Medvedev, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavro

with Pakistani Leaders President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza
Gillani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf & Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 20

Russian and SCO Leaders with Prime Minister Khaqan

Abbasi, Nawaz Sharif and President Musharaf

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 21

Moscow: Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa

with Russian Military Leaders and Diplomats

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa with Mr. Alexey Dedov
Ambassador Russian Federation in Pakistan

Ex Army Chiefs General Kiyani and General Raheel Shareef in Moscow

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 22

Pak - Russia Army Exercise

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 23

Faisalabad Pictorial: Visit of H.E Vladimir Berezyuk

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 24

Faisalabad Pictorial: Visit of H.E Vladimir Berezyuk

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 25

Inauguration of Pak - Uzbek Trade and Culture Center

OPENING CEREMONY
 26
Defence minister leads high level
delegation to Tajikistan
A high- level
delegation led by
the Minister for
Defence of the
Islamic Republic
of Pakistan
Khurram Dastgir Khan takes part in the High-Level
International conference on countering terrorism and
preventing violent extremism in the capital of Tajikistan
Dushanbe today.
This conference organized by the Government of the
Republic of Tajikistan, together with the United Nations,
the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
and the European Union.
The objectives of the High-Level International conference
on countering terrorism and preventing violent
extremism are creating a common understanding of
current challenges and obstacles in the implementation of
the UNGCTS in the region and globally; exploring
opportunities for strengthening partnership and
cooperation at national, regional and international levels
on combating terrorism and violent extremism; sharing
opportunities and challenges of Tajikistan’s National
Counter-Terrorism Strategy implementation; identifying
trends and challenges of radicalization and the role of
youth, ideology and information in preventing and
combating violent extremism leading to terrorism;
exchanging experiences in countering terrorism and
preventing violent extremism with a focus on Foreign
Terrorist Fighters (FTF) threat prevention; stock-taking of
National Leader
Heydar Aliyev’s 95th
anniversary marked in
Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, MAY 03 (DNA) – “Azerbaijan
Golf Tournament-Heydar Aliyev 95” and
various entertaining competitions dedicated
to the 95th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the
National Leader of the Azerbaijan people were
held in Pakistan.
“Azerbaijan Golf Tournament-Heydar Aliyev 95” and
various entertaining competitions dedicated to the 95th
anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the
Azerbaijan people were organized by the Embassy of the
Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan in collaboration with
Bahria Town at the Bahria Golf Club, in Islamabad.
The Ambassadors of various foreign countries in Pakistan,
diplomats, professional golfers and public figures took
domestic and regional mechanisms to counter terrorism
and prevent violent extremism and radicalization that
lead to terrorism and strengthening cooperation against
cyber-terrorism and developing directives/guidelines for
countering violent extremism in cyber-space. More than
400 participants from 46 countries and 30 international
and regional organizations, as well as research institutes
have been registered.
The conference will be attended by heads and senior
representatives of foreign policy and other relevant
agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan,
Turkmenistan, Hungary, Switzerland, Bahrain, India,
Armenia, Russia, China, the United States, Spain,
Germany, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Canada, Belgium,
Slovakia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Japan,
Indonesia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Qatar,
Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Syria, Libya and others.
The conference will also be attended by heads and
representatives of a number of international and regional
organizations, such as the UN, OSCE, EU, CSTO, SCO,
CIS, etc., the diplomatic corps and development partners,
civil society and research institutes.
The conference is intended to serve as an important
platform for comprehensive dialogue and interaction
among all interested parties with a view to exchanging
experience and developing concrete steps for further joint
and coordinated actions in the fight against modern
challenges and threats to security.
At the end of the conference, an outcome document will be
adopted.
part in the tournament and entertaining competitions.
Speaking at the awarding ceremony, Major General ®
Mohammed Ali Khan, executive director, Bahria City and
Sammy Savary, manager operations of Bahria Golf Club
emphasized that, the political, economic, social and
cultural progress of Azerbaijan since the 1960s is
connected with the name of Heydar Aliyev.
 27

Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Scientific

Cooperation between Pakistan & Russia

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 28

Lahore: 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relation

between Pakistan and Russia

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 29

Message

Dr. Shahid Hasan | Chief Organizer all Pakistan Graduates from Russia and CIS Chief Editor Vipusknik
It’s my honour to extend my
heartfelt congratulations to the
diplomatic community of
Russian Federation in Pakistan,
Islamic Republic of Pakistan in
Russia, Russian Community in
Pakistan, Pakistani Community
in Russia, Russia- Pakistan
Business Councils and the
member of Association of Pakistan Graduates from Russia
and CIS, on the occasion of the 70th Years anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia
and Pakistan
Recently 5th Pak-Russia Inter-Governmental
Commission (IGC) held in Moscow explored defense
cooperation, trade liberalization, increasing scholarship
for Pakistani students in Russia, banking and customs
cooperation, and visa facilitation. The Pakistani and
Russian ministers signed the formal protocol after a
plenary session of the IGC that concluded three days of
multi-faceted dialogue and negotiations between the
Pakistan and Russian contingents. 5th IGC had
accelerated ongoing negotiations on numerous energy
sector investments by Russia into Pakistan.
Association of Pakistan Graduates from Russia and CIS
admires great response from governments, business
communities, media, cultural organisations, think tanks
and academia to celebrate 70th Years anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and
Pakistan at large scale across the country both In Russia
and Pakistan which represents a major milestone,
signifying a new chapter whereby our relations will
become even closer and more comprehensive.

Dr. Zahid Hasan | Chairman- Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS.

Association of Pakistani countries ( 1948-2018

Graduates from Russia & CIS Association wishes for the improvement of Bilateral
congratulates to the relations between Pakistan and Russia.
Governments and people of
Pakistan and Russian Significant developments of relations in the field of Trade
Federation on the occasion of and Economic, Scientific and Culture and other fields can
the 70 Years of Diplomatic be seen.
Relations between the both Long live friendly relations between Pakistan and Russia.

Dr. Ashraf Nizami

President of Pakistan Medical Association Founder General Secretary of Pakistan Graduates from Russia and CIS

On behalf of the Pakistani Federation, on the occasion of 70th anniversary of

Medical Association and diplomatic relation between our both countries.
Association of Pakistani Wish in our region peace and prosperity and hope that
Graduates from Russia and CIS relation between Pakistan and Russia will develop
Countries, I am congratulating political, economically and cultural areas in future.
Government and people of
Pakistan and Russian LONG LIVE PAKISTAN-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP.

Engr. Iftikhar Ali | General Secretary, Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS

I, on behalf of Association of for their outstanding role in strengthening and promoting

Pakistani Graduates from friendly relations between Pakistan and Russia and assure
Russia & CIS congratulate H.E them that all members of APGR&CIS will always be
Ambassador of the Russian supporting and assisting you in your efforts.
Federation and his colleagues

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 30

Message by: Mr. Habib Message by: Mr. Arsallah

Ahmed Honorary Khan Honorary Council of
Council of Russian Russian Federation,
Federation, Lahore. Peshawar.

On behalf of Honorary Consul of Russian Federation I have always believed that the natural relationship
Lahore, Pakistan, I would like to extend congratulations on between The Russian Federation and Pakistan should be of
the occasion of 70th Anniversary of Russia Pakistan the highest level of friendship. On this auspicious day I am
diplomatic relations. I wish the people of Russia and delighted to extend my congratulations to His Excellency
Pakistan peace, prosperity and well-being. Mr. Alexey Y. Dedov, and to the diplomats of The Embassy
of The Russian Federation as well as the Russian
I firmly believe that the 70th Anniversary of Russia community in Pakistan on the occasion of the 70th
Pakistan will be bringing mutual trust and unbreakable anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic Relations
partnership between the people of the both nations. I hope between Russia and Pakistan. I wish all the people of
leadership of our both countries, respective diplomatic Russia peace, prosperity and well-being.
community, Russia Pakistan Business Council,
Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia and CIS Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
will be continued their noble efforts to establish an highest
level of cooperation.
Yours Sincerely
I assure my highest support and cooperation on 70th Years Muhammad Arsallah Khan
Anniversary of establishing Diplomatic Relation between H.C Kpk & Fata
Russia and Pakistan.

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 31

Pictorial History: Russia Pakistan Celebrations

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations

 VIPUSKNIK

Chief Editor: Dr. Shahid Hasan Editor: Ashique Hamdani

drhasan47@gmail.com | Cell: +92 336 458 7263 Cell: +92 332 1555 260
148-A, Westridge Peshawar Road, Rawalpindi. hamdaniashique@gmail.com

Associate Editor: Saleem Malik Associate Editor: Engr. Iftikhar Ali

Cell: +92 323 515 9205
Cell: +92 321 5385 223
iftikharali70@hotmail.com

70th Anniversary of Pakistan Russia Diplomatic Relations