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IMF is not USA's private property , IMF doesn't give aid , it gives loan to it's members , there is no favor here ......its a desirable trait to do some facts checking before throwing up an opinion.True. Pakistan must stop these bidding wars, choose either block and stick with it. You can't ride on two horses at the same time.
Then why Pakistan is taking aid from US backed IMF?
Seems to be a well timed diplomatic play by the Russians. They started the wooing after various USA snubs to Pakistan ...climate conference (seems like PMIK was hurt by this one), numerous USA officials skipping Islamabad...etc. I am in wait and see mode on the outcome but relations with Russia will no doubt start warming.America has thrown us out of its camp.when it opted for India. Why can't we see that? The decision is not ours but we are the sufferers of the choice. Running after America, we are resenting our all weather friend China. Who has been doing its best for us, Our relationship with China will place us in Russian camp too. We are losing Chinese help in search of American goodwill,
Right now, Our best options are with Russians and Chinese. and this will bring Back America to us at the same time.
We get what we strive for with the right plan and utmost consistency.
Another base for the black sea fleet....my guess. Russia conflicts in Crimea and Syria were strategically driven by naval basing, IMO. Strong relations with Pakistan would grant a year round basing option with overland access to Russia via Iran, Central Asia, or China.the real question is what do they want from us in return.
This is the result of when we have good leadership who can speak and stand in-front of the world leaders with confidence representing the nation.Putin offers ‘blank cheque’ to Pakistan
If you [Pakistan] are interested in corridors, defence or any cooperation, Russia stands ready, says Russian president
Kamran Yousaf| April 11, 2021
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Vladimir Putin and Imran Khan pose for a photo. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
When Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Islamabad last week after a gap of nine years, he had delivered an "important" message to the Pakistani leadership. The message was from President Vladimir Putin.
"I came with a message from my president that tell Pakistan we are open for any cooperation, whatever Pakistan needs Russia is ready for it," Lavrov was quoted by a senior Pakistani official, who attended the closed door meeting between the Russian foreign minister and Pakistani authorities, as saying.
"In other words, the Russian president offered us a blank cheque," said the official, who requested not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.
The official revealed that Putin had conveyed to Pakistan through his top diplomat that Moscow would help Islamabad in any manner. "If you're interested in gas pipelines, corridors, defence or any other cooperation, Russia stands ready for it," the official quoted FM Lavrov as saying when asked what he meant by "blank cheque".
Pakistan and Russia are already working on the North-South gas pipeline project. The two sides had entered into the agreement in 2015 to lay a pipeline from Karachi to Lahore. The project is estimated to cost $2 billion.
The work on the pipeline could not kick off because of possible American sanctions. The two sides, however, recently agreed to approve a new structure that would pave the way for the start of the work.
Russia is also keen to revive the Pakistan Steel Mills, which it originally built. Similarly, Moscow has interest in hydroelectric projects. Overall, Russia is thought to be willing to make $8 billion investment in different areas.
"It is now up to us to follow up this successful visit," the official said.
When asked the possibility of Pakistan acquiring Russian air defence systems, the official said he could not talk about the specifics but Russia had shown willingness to expand the cooperation with Pakistan.
At the joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart, the Russian foreign minister had said Moscow was ready to supply Pakistan with "special military equipment" to enhance its anti-terrorists potential. He, however, did not provide further details.
Relations between Pakistan and Russia have undergone transformation in recent years thanks to the new alignments and strategic realities.
The rapprochement between the former Cold War rivals began in 2011 when Pakistan's relationship with the US hit the rock bottom. At that time, a decision was taken to bring a strategic shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy. The shift envisaged reaching out to Russia as part of Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its foreign policy options.
The two countries initially worked quietly to find common ground. The years-long efforts had resulted in the Russian decision to send its troops to Pakistan for the first time in history for joint exercises in 2016. Moscow even overruled the Indian objections over holding joint drills with Pakistan.
Since then, the two countries have been regularly holding these exercises and they are looking to further deepen that cooperation.
Pakistan is hoping that Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit the country, something that would complete the Pak-Russia ties from being Cold War foes to friends.
In contrast, Russian ties with once its solid ally India are heading in the opposite direction. The two still have good relationship but the usual warmth they expressed earlier have been missing.
It was rare that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give audience to a visiting Russian foreign minister. Russia is concerned that Indian tilt towards the US would pose threat to its interests.
It was because of these reasons, Lavrov, both in New Delhi and Islamabad, indirectly objected to the grouping of US, India, Japan and Australia.
These developments are bringing countries such as Russia, China and Pakistan together.
---Putin offers ‘blank cheque’ to Pakistan | The Express Tribune
If you [Pakistan] are interested in corridors, defence or any cooperation, Russia stands ready, says Russian presidenttribune.com.pk
@Horus @waz @The Eagle @HRK @SQ8 @AgNoStiC MuSliM @Jungibaaz @ghazi52 @Verve @koolio @Areesh @Zibago @Path-Finder
It is not the priority at present.Should use the "blank cheque" and get the price of Sputnik V lowered.
My intention is not to troll - pak establishment knows Americans are the biggest fools....the way they are played all these years....As long as our establishment is under american influence, it's all in vain.
One can't understand that after repeated humiliations and deceits by the americans starting from 1971 to afghan war, to pressler ammendments, WoT, Salala, OBL raid, do more bullshit etc. etc. why Pakistan's establishment is still enamored with US. Is the lesson not enough or the level of outright dumbness exceed all thresholds...
It's palpable that China is not as warm since last 6 months or so and that's totally understandable. On one hand you keep saying Pakistan's future lies with China and then take dictation from the newly elected US president to give Modi a facelift so that he is in a better position to counter your iron brother. What a shame...your resolve mustn't shake by mere phone calls. 9/11 all over again.
Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, China can form a block so powerful which can give sleepless nights to alot of powers and wannabe powers. Only if our establishment stop being a b*t*h of americans.