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| February 8, 2003 | Saturday | Zul Hijjah 6,1423 |
Musharraf’s Russia visit fruitful, says envoy
MOSCOW, Feb 7: The country’s ambassador to Russia, Syed Iftikhar Murshid has described President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Russia as ‘successful’ and said it would yield positive results.
Speaking to Pakistani newsmen who covered the visit, the ambassador said President Musharraf and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, struck a personal rapport and were together for five-and-a-half hours.
“Putin has never been that long with any visiting dignitary and the fact that the one-to-one meeting with Gen Musharraf was extended to two hours and 15 minutes from the original one hour clearly shows the interest of the Russian President in embarking upon new friendship with Pakistan,” he said.
He said the four memoranda of understanding signed during the visit would help further the ties between the countries and ensure greater understanding. He specially mentioned the MoU signed for the expansion and modernization of Pakistan Steel Mills.
The ambassador noted that the visit, the first in 33 years, has laid the groundwork for better ties between the countries. “Of course, in three days we cannot expect spectacular results but at least the mindset has been dismantled and the two countries can now move ahead with renewed determination to consolidate their ties,” he said.
He reiterated that President Putin was in a position to push for dialogue between Pakistan and India on the solution of all outstanding problems between them.
Mr Murshid said Russia and Pakistan had come to some understanding on defence issues.
He said the visit would lead to the opening of a new chapter in relations between the countries.—APP
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