MOSCOW: President Ayub Khan was accorded a rousing, tumultuous welcome today [April 3] when he flew into Moscow to begin his historic 8-day State visit to the Soviet Union. A 21-gun salute announced his arrival. He was greeted at the Vnukovo airport by the Soviet Premier, Mr Alexei Kosygin, and two top Communist Party leaders, Dmitri Polyensky and Denyan Korutcheno, as he left the PIA Boeing’s gangway, followed by Begum Nasim Aurangzeb, the Foreign Minister, Begum Bhutto and others.

“How do you do?” said President Ayub as he shook hands with the Russian leaders and General Grecho, Russian Chief of General Staff. Moscow’s grey snowy weather had given way to [a] clear blue sky and floating clouds as PIA’s giant jetliner circled over the airport which was profusely decorated by welcome banners, streamers and national flags of Pakistan and Russia. Three children presented bouquets of Russian flowers to [the] President and his daughter, Begum Nasim Aurangzeb.

President Ayub and Foreign Minister Bhutto were then led into an air-conditioned, glass sheeted lounge, where diplomats from all over the world were introduced to him. The President wore civilian clothes; a Karakuli cap protected him against chilly winds. As the President emerged from the lounge, a large number of people, standing on a balcony, burst into cheers. Among them were members of Pakistan Embassy staff with their wives and children, all dressed in their best. President Ayub heartily waved to them and patted the children.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2015

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