Russian envoy avoids speculation on Putin's Pakistan visit

Islamabad: Russian Ambassador Daniela Ganich on Wednesday declined to speculate on the timing of Russian President Vladimir Putin's prospective visit to Pakistan.

Ganich made these remarks during a discussion on Pak-Russian relations at the Institute of Policy Research.

While addressing the audience, Ambassador Daniela Ganich expressed confidence that Russia had the capability to achieve its objectives in the conflict with Ukraine, emphasizing that the resolution of the conflict would ultimately align with Russia's terms.

On the matter of international recognition of the Taliban, Ganich noted that this decision would be made on an international scale, pointing out that some nations had already extended recognition and observed the outcomes. He acknowledged that the Taliban had successfully ousted Western governments from Afghanistan, suggesting that they could be considered victorious in that regard.

Turning his attention to Pakistan, Ambassador Ganich underscored the nation's significance in Russia's North-South project. He also praised the collaboration between the two nations in promoting the Russian language in Pakistan's educational institutions, expressing gratitude to Pakistani authorities for initiating Russian language programs in universities. He specifically mentioned the recent introduction of the Russian language curriculum at Allama Iqbal Open University.

Addressing the relationship between Russia and India, Ganich highlighted their strong ties, particularly in the context of major collaborative projects. Regarding Pakistani politics, the Russian ambassador refrained from commenting on internal matters but acknowledged Pakistan's strategic decisions in forming alliances, such as the partnership between India and the United States aimed at countering China. He noted that India acts in accordance with its interests.

Ambassador Ganich emphasized Russia's clear policy on the use of nuclear weapons, stating that Russia would only resort to such measures in the event of a threat to its sovereignty.