Good relations with US in interest of Pakistan: Qureshi
'Pakistan Times' Diplomatic Desk

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Wednesday said that maintaining good relations with United States, one of the biggest economic powers of the world, was in the interest of Pakistan.

Pakistan is exporting lot of goods to America and european countries so it should have good relations with these world markets, he told a private television.

He said US is not dictating Pakistan in its internal affairs and as far as recent visit of US officials is concerned, it was aimed at interacting with the new democratic government.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said there must be a sensible approach instead of getting emotional while forging relations with the world’s biggest economic powers.

Commenting on India-Pakistan relations, he said improved bilateral relations were in interest of the two countries and there was chance of positive development on this front.

He said SAARC countries have not so far performed actively to bring visible change and improvement in relations, which is essential for progress and development of the region.

Of Pak-Russia Ties

According to another report, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi Wednesday said Pakistan highly values its relations with the Russian Federation and expressed the hope that these ties will gain further strength in the years ahead.

Addressing at Russian Ambassador’s reception on the occasion of 60th Anniversary of bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister said since the end of the cold war both the countries have made efforts to establish broad-based relations with Russia on the basis of mutual respect.

He said, “Our two countries share common views and perception on many world issues, which is a manifestation of understanding that exist at the political level and transcends the official level.”

The Minister said it would be unfair not to praise the diplomatic efforts that have helped sustain the relationship through thick and thin and grow despite tumultuous changes the two great countries have undergone in recent years.

He said the hard work and dedication of diplomats have brought the two countries to witness a landmark occasion, which is due to fall on 1st May - the 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

He also extended his heartiest congratulations to President-elect Dmitri Medyedev in advance who will assume charge of the high office during the same in which the 60th Anniversary is being observed.

The Minister said during last five years the economic relations have taken a quantum jump. Trade which was in the range US$ 100 million in 2002 was over US$ 500 million in 2007, he added.

He said exchange of visits at the political level has provided much needed impetus to the bilateral relations.

The state visits to the Russian Federation have been undertaken by the President and the Prime Minister in 2003 and 2005, respectively, while Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov visited Pakistan in 2007 have improved the relations of the two countries.

“We, in Pakistan, are happy to note the significant growth in Russian economy and a more enhanced role by Russia in world politics,” he said and added “We see Russia as a vital player and stabilizing force at the global level.”

The Minister said the Russian Federation also has a role in bringing about peace and stability in the region.

He said, “We appreciate Russian support to Pakistan in acquiring the observer status in SCO. Likewise, Russia is also an observer at the OIC.”

The Minister said there has been an important growth in defence relations between the two countries as manifested in the exchanges at the command level, defence purchases and defence training.

The bilateral dialogue between the two countries covers important and vast areas including strategic matters and cooperation against terrorism, he added.

The Minister said today Pakistan and the Russian Federation facing similar problems of terrorism and extremism and both committed to see these evil eliminated.

“We are delighted to hear that a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Pakistan has been established in the State Duma,” he said.

The Foreign Minister also appreciated Gazprom’s involvement in Pakistan-Iran Gaspipeline and in other upstream and downstream energy sector projects, Joint Venture of Kamaz Truck production provide space for expansion in bilateral ties.

Highlighting Pakistan’s important geo-strategic location at the crossroads of Central, South and West Asia, he said, there are opportunities for neighbours like Russia to reap the benefits of economic activities that would be unfolding in near future.

“I am deeply touched by the emotions shown by the Russian people on the tragic assassination of Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto and wish to convey our profound appreciation to them on my own behalf, on behalf of the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples’ Party and the Government of Pakistan,” he added.

The Foreign Minister said still there are long distances to cover for cooperation in the political, economic, strategic, defence and cultural fields in the two countries.

“We stand resolved to take Pakistan-Russian relations to new heights while expecting similar enthusiasm from the Russian Government and the people,” he added.●