Russia does not see Pakistan as part of terrorism menace: Envoy

PESHAWAR: Russia, unlike some other nations, does not see Pakistan as a part of terrorism menace but a key player in eradicating it from the world, Russia's envoy to the country said today, amid improving ties between the two Cold War rivals.
"Terrorism is not an issue of a single nationality, rather an international phenomenon in which people of many states and nationalities are involved," Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Alexy Dedov said.
"Unlike some other countries, Russia does not see Pakistan as a part of the problem (terrorism) but a key player for its solution in eradicating it from the globe," Dedov said, while speaking about Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism.

The Russian envoy was addressing students during a lecture on 'Pakistan-Russia Relations: New Prospects and Challenges' at Khan Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan in Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

The ambassador recognised Pakistan's role in bringing peace and stability in the region and said that Russia fully supports Pakistan's bid to become the full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

It was the first visit of a Russian Ambassador to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in several decades.

Relations between the two countries are improving after 40-year of hostility during the Cold War in which Pakistan was in the anti-Soviet Union camp and had been instrumental in the Soviet pullout from Afghanistan in 1980s.

Dedov said that his country has always seen Pakistan as a key player in world politics.

"Pakistan is a culturally rich country and is very important because of its geostrategic location," he said.

Dedov emphasised on increasing defence cooperation between Russia and Pakistan.

Stressing on improving economic ties between the two countries, he said the trade between Pakistan and Russia would increase once some pending debt issues are resolved.

He said Pakistan can export many things to Russia. "Russia is looking into collaboration with Pakistan in various sectors, such as economics, trade, energy, textile, architecture, sports, culture and is looking for new avenues to further strengthen the bilateral relations," he said.

Dedov said that Russia and Pakistan share same approach and interest on many issues of global importance.

Replying to a question on Pak-India relations, the ambassador said Russia welcomes the dialogue process and initiatives taken by both countries for peace and stability.