ISLAMABAD: Russia has extended an offer to mediate between Pakistan and itsneighbours India and Afghanistan as bilateral ties remain strainedfollowing recent military confrontations.
Diplomatic relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have stayed tensesince the four-day armed conflict in May, while Pakistani forces exchangedfire with Afghan Taliban troops along the Durand Line last month.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Institute of Strategic StudiesIslamabad, Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev declared Moscow’s readiness toact as a mediator in both disputes.
The envoy emphasised shared concerns over regional security, particularlythe situation in Afghanistan, and expressed support for enhancedcooperation in counter-terrorism and socio-economic development.
Khorev described Pakistan as a key partner in President Vladimir Putin’sGreater Eurasian Partnership vision, which advocates resolution of regionalissues by regional players themselves.
He suggested that tensions among South Asian states were frequentlyexacerbated by external actors seeking to advance their own interests.
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The Russian offer comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking greaterstrategic depth through ties with Moscow, including joint militaryexercises and defence procurement agreements.
Analysts view the proposal as part of Russia’s broader push to expandinfluence in South Asia while counterbalancing Western and Chineseengagement in the region.
Source: www.dawn.com/news/1992384″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1992384Source: https://issi.org.pk/event-report-russia-pakistan-relations/
