Russia and Pakistan are steadily advancing their mutually beneficial cooperation through a pragmatic approach centered on shared regional interests, according to Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan, a senior research fellow at Islamabad's Institute of Strategic Studies.
“Over the past decade, Pakistan and Russia have confidently transitioned from mutual caution to measured cooperation based on pragmatism and common regional interests,” the analyst stated during the opening ceremony of the Eurasian Center at the Asia-Pacific Research Consortium.
Khan highlighted that “Moscow views Islamabad as a gateway to South Asia, the Arabian Sea, and the broader Asia-Pacific region, while Pakistan sees Russia as a balancing and stabilizing force in Eurasia's energy and defense architecture.”
Energy security remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, the expert emphasized. He noted that the October 9 memorandum of understanding between Gazprom and Pakistan's Oil and Gas Development Company Limited “establishes an institutional framework for joint technical studies, project development, and financing, giving practical substance to transport corridor concepts like the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline.”
Both nations share the perspective that “energy serves as the centerpiece of partnership and a vital link between the Asia-Pacific region and Eurasia,” Khan concluded.
The memorandum was signed during the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum held from October 7-10. This development follows earlier reports that Pakistan has invited Russian companies to participate in offshore oil and gas exploration projects and enhanced oil recovery initiatives in the country.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS