Moscow: Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, has undertaken a significant diplomatic mission to Russia, strengthening ties between the two nations. Invited by the ruling ‘United Russia’ party, Senator Hussain engaged in high-level discussions with key Russian figures, including Former President Dmitri Medvedev and Foreign Minister Lavrov.
During his visit, Senator Hussain participated in the inaugural International Forum for ‘Freedom of Nations,’ organized by the United Russia party, where he was elected as a member of the Forum’s prestigious 20-member Standing Committee. This recognition underscores the growing importance of Pakistan on the global stage.
In a pivotal moment, Senator Hussain co-chaired the Forum’s plenary session alongside Foreign Minister Lavrov, fostering dialogue on crucial regional issues. His exchange with former President Medvedev focused on enhancing Pakistan-Russia collaboration, particularly in energy and economic connectivity, underscoring the shared interests between the two nations.
Senator Hussain’s address at the Russian Diplomatic Academy marked a historic occasion, as he became the first prominent Pakistani to speak at the academy in half a century. His lecture, titled ‘Pakistan and the Changing Regional Scenario,’ highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in various fields, emphasizing mutual interests and the absence of fundamental conflicts.
Moreover, Senator Hussain’s interactions with Senator Chizhov, President of the Russia-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, and the Pakistani community in Moscow further solidified bilateral relations. His engagements with Russian media outlets provided a platform to amplify the message of goodwill and collaboration between the two nations.
Reflecting on his visit, Senator Hussain outlined three key insights: the strategic space for building relations post-Afghanistan intervention, the need for a regional reset in Pakistan’s foreign relations to bolster connectivity, and the common ground provided by China as a unifying factor for both nations.
As a testament to the significance of his visit, Senator Hussain has been invited to join international observers during Russia’s Presidential Elections in March 2024, further underscoring the deepening ties between Pakistan and Russia on the global stage.
