Thu Sep 19 07:27:35 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan and Russia Deepen Ties Amidst US Sanctions

**Islamabad, Pakistan** – Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk visited Pakistan this week, aiming to strengthen economic ties and expand cooperation across various sectors. This comes as Moscow faces economic sanctions from the US and EU due to its war in Ukraine.

During his visit, Overchuk met with Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, which reached a record $1 billion last year. Both countries are committed to overcoming logistical hurdles to further boost trade.

Pakistan and Russia are also exploring cooperation in areas like liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases. However, sanctions against Russia pose a challenge to this collaboration. Dar acknowledged the impact of sanctions, stating that the volume of trade could have been significantly higher.

While Pakistan has sought to acquire Russian LNG, it has also received assurances from the US that this purchase will be allowed as long as a committee of US trade officials approves the price.

Analysts believe that Russia’s increased engagement in the region is a strategic move to fill the void left by the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Professor Manzoor Afridi, a Pakistani academic on international relations, highlighted that both Russia and China are actively trying to expand their influence in the region, and Pakistan is strategically working to improve relations with these countries.

Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan, an international affairs expert at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s relationship with Russia, particularly in light of US restrictions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Pakistan’s strengthened ties with Russia underscore a complex geopolitical landscape in the region, as Islamabad navigates its relationships with key players amidst global challenges.

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