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Pakistan and the former Soviet Union have followed a roller coaster ride in their relations, oscillating between 'cordial' to 'hostile', for several decades before the latter collapsed. During the Cold War, the relations between Pakistan and Russia were generally lukewarm as the latter's close and friendly relations with India, while, Pakistan was tilting towards USA. In the Post-Cold period, the changing parameters of international politics and security environment have necessitated pragmatism in Islamabad and Moscow bilateral relations. The Cold War enmity has been gradually yielding to amity in the twenty-first century. Pakistan and Russia, the cold-war rivals, agreed to bury the hatchet and take 'pragmatic steps' towards promoting partnership on key regional and strategic issues. The collapse of Communism in Russia since its disintegration, the main stumbling bloc in Pak-Russian relations, opened a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
In addition, Glasnost (meaning openness) is encouraging the Russian society to be more free, open and independent. Presently, Russia is reshaping its economic and foreign policies to meet the challenges of new millennium.
Since 9/11 attacks on US, Pak-Russia relations have been shown marked improvement in diplomatic, political, military and economic fields. The exchange of visits of high level leadership and other dignitaries, and, the signing of a number of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding for promoting political, social, economic and military cooperation has greatly enhanced the bilateral relations between the two countries. More significantly, close relations with Russia would provide Pakistan an opportunity to have more independent foreign policy. In the prevailing circumstances, it is in the supreme interest of Pakistan to initiate politico-military outreach towards other global power centers, especially, Russia. More important is the membership of Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Russia as a founding member is another positive and constructive step in the context of Pak-Russia relations.
Their common views and perceptions on regional and global issues make their relationship more significant. Their joint efforts for the eradication of menace of terrorism and extremism will further strengthen this relationship. In addition, there are numerous areas of common interests ranging from bilateral economic cooperation to multilateral arms control and disarmament. Their close coordination in the affairs of Afghanistan and Central Asia will remove their past rivalries and hostility...