Moscow, Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee of Pakistan, has concluded a significant visit to Russia, invited by the ruling United Russia party. His engagements with high-level Russian officials, including Former President Dmitri Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, underscored the growing warmth and potential for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and Russia. The visit highlighted a shared interest in deepening ties across a range of sectors, from energy and economic connectivity to regional security and multilateral cooperation.
According to Senate of Pakistan, Senator Hussain’s visit was marked by his participation in the newly-formed International Forum for ‘Freedom of Nations’, where he was elected to the Forum’s 20-member Standing Committee. Co-chairing the Forum’s plenary session alongside Foreign Minister Lavrov, Senator Hussain engaged in meaningful discussions with Dmitri Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, on the broad spectrum of Pakistan-Russia relations, the situation in Afghanistan, the conflict in Gaza, and the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in the region.
During his visit, Senator Hussain also addressed the Russian Diplomatic Academy, becoming the first prominent Pakistani in 50 years to deliver a lecture at this prestigious institution. His talk on ‘Pakistan and the changing regional scenario’ emphasized the alignment of interests between the two nations, Pakistan’s neutrality on Ukraine, and the importance of building on the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations, particularly in energy, connectivity, and education.
Expressing optimism about Pakistan’s prospects of joining BRICS with Russian support, Senator Hussain envisaged a future where four Muslim Middle Powers—Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—would play a decisive role in regional affairs. He praised President Putin’s stance on Islamophobia and discussed the strategic and cooperative ties both countries share with China, highlighting the role of Beijing as a unifying factor in Pakistan-Russia relations.
Senator Hussain’s visit also included interactions with the Pakistani community in Moscow, media engagements, and discussions on the strategic space created following the end of foreign intervention in Afghanistan. These talks underlined the need for a ‘Regional Reset’ in Pakistan’s foreign relations to pursue initiatives for regional connectivity with Russia and other neighboring countries.
The Senator’s participation as an international observer for the upcoming Presidential Elections in Russia, from March 15-17, 2024, further cements the growing rapport and mutual respect between the two countries. This visit not only fortifies bilateral ties but also opens new avenues for cooperation in a region where both nations seek to play a pivotal role.