Certain vigorous efforts from Moscow and Islamabad need to be undertaken to push mutual cooperation forward. Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan, Director of the Area Study Centre, in his introductory speech said that a journey of thousand miles starts with a single step. Talking about the importance of friendly relations between Russia and Pakistan he said that you could choose your friends but not of your neighbors. Pakistan’s future lies in Asia and with its neighbors. Borders may be far away but the Russian Federation is a very important actor in Asia.

Niaz A. Naik, former foreign secretary of Pakistan, emphasized the need to develop an institutional framework in multidimensional fields. He noted Pakistan and Russia firmly share the view that the UN should be strengthened and reformed. A new era of friendship between Pakistan and Russia is emerging, he noted, as both are members of the coalition against terrorism and both are victims of terrorism.

Dr. Victor Laptev of Moscow’s Diplomatic Academy explained the importance of gradually discussing specific projects rather than abstract generalities. Gen. (Rtd) Asad Durrani said Pakistan’s location is very important keeping in view South Asia, Central Asia and Western Asia. Talking about Afghanistan, he said one track to peace is to give less incentive to Afghans to fight. Now joining a warlord is easy and economically more beneficial than any other economic activity.

Dr. Artem Rudnitsky, first Secretary at the Russian embassy in Islamabad said we should know each other’s problems and should pave the way for mutually beneficial relations despite the barriers. We should keep eyes on commonalities and how to overcome divergences. Russia is shifting from one system to another. Dr. Vladimir Boyko, Research Director of Modern Asian Studies at Moscow’s Centre for Regional Studies brought to limelight the importance of central Russia and Siberia with special reference to Central Asia and South Asia. He also explained the situation in Xinjiang and ethno-demographic changes underway there.

The conference resulted in a number of recommendations. There was agreement that the present level of Pakistan-Russia relations does not meet the existing favorable opportunities for interaction between the two countries. Moscow and Islamabad are expected to undertake certain vigorous efforts to push mutual cooperation forward.

There is a commonality of views between the two countries on major strategic international issues such as support for the concept of a multipolar world and the supremacy of the UN; unacceptability of unilateral actions to change the current international system through the use of force; struggle against terrorism and combating illegal narcotics production and the trafficking of human beings; strengthening of nuclear non-proliferation; and pushing forward processes of regional cooperation.

However, the Pakistan-Russia rapprochement envisaged by presidents Pervez Musharraf and Vladimir Putin at a Moscow summit in February 2003 has not yet been fully implemented. There are certain points of disagreements between Russia and Pakistan which require more attention from both sides, need to be clarified and elaborated by the governments of the two countries as soon as possible.

It is necessary to consider in a more broad and active manner (on official and academic levels) the approaches of Islamabad and Moscow towards the expansion of bilateral ties, problems of conflict resolution in the region, as well as disarmament, particularly in the nuclear sphere.

It could be practically useful to organize academic seminars on a regular basis between the think tanks of Pakistan and Russia on issues vital for both countries (the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistani-Indian relations, etc.) Another recommendation was to start the process of Pakistan’s inclusion into the SCO at the same time with the facilitation of closer interaction of Russia with ECO and SAARC.

It seems also important to develop political interaction between Pakistan and Russia within the bounds of the OIC referring to Moscow’s intention to become part of this framework as an observer.

To promote bilateral economic cooperation, Pakistan should grant Russia Most Favored Nation status or consider mutually lowering tariffs. Priority should be given to bilateral economic cooperation, first and foremost in the fields of heavy industry, oil and gas, aerospace technologies, textile and agriculture.

There should be more exchange of information on a people-to-people basis. This can be achieved with academic and media exchanges. The creation of a new dimension of the regional system of international relations including the Central Asian Republics, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and China is visibly underway. The fruitful development of bilateral relations between Russia and Pakistan determine the necessity of dealing with regional problems in that format.