Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov:

What is behind their hesitation about strengthening ties to Pakistan?

Kayani Visit to Kremlin Shows Pakistan Open to Non-U.S. Options (The Daily Jang, Pakistan)

"Pakistani ties to the U.S. have been under strain for months. The visit indicates that Pakistan may be ready to look at options other than Washington. That could be useful in shaking America's belief that Islamabad has no choice but to lean on it for advice and assistance and demonstrate that Pakistan is capable of seeking out new friends."

EDITORIAL

October 5, 2012

Pakistan - The Daily Jang - Original Article (English)

Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Kayani: His mission to Moscow is to ease Russian concern that the Pakistan military is scuttling efforts to bring peace to the troubled region of Balochistan, which is split among Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. EXPRESS TRIBUNE VIDEO: Drones violate sovereignty, says General Musharraf 00:42:29, Oct. 24, 2011

The visit to Moscow by Chief of the Army Staff General Kayani is regarded as significant for many reasons. In the first place, there is the timing. Pakistani ties to the U.S. have been under strain for months. The visit indicates that Pakistan may be ready to look at options other than Washington. That could be useful in shaking America's belief that Islamabad has no choice but to lean on it for advice and assistance and demonstrate that Pakistan is capable of seeking out new friends. This is undoubtedly needed in a world in which it seems ever more likely that Pakistan is being isolated. Looking eastward for allies makes increasingly good sense, given that Russia and other states in the region are positioned to offer aid in the form of energy or training. And from a military perspective, the fact that Russia is a major weapons seller will also be of interest to General Kayani: Russia holds 24 percent of the global market, while the U.S. holds 30 percent.

Posted by Worldmeets.US

This will also be of interest in Russia, as it seeks new customers and reconsiders relations with India, which has gradually moved into the U.S. camp. Both Pakistan and Russia share an interest in Afghanistan.

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