BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s upcoming official visit to Russia is historic and of great strategic significance, said Cheng Xizhong, visiting professor of Southwest University of Political Science and Law and Senior Fellow of the Charhar Institute.

“It is particularly noteworthy that with a gap of 23 years, Russia has invited the Pakistani leader to visit Moscow, which reflected PM Imran Khan’s high-stature and leadership qualities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has great respect for PM Khan and now the voice of Pakistani leader is always acknowledged at the world level whether it is on regional or international issues, which enhances the dignity of Pakistani people and nation,” Prof Cheng said in a statement issued here on Sunday.

In his analysis, he said, the strategic significance of the visit was mainly reflected in the three aspects: rising Pakistan’s international status; Russia’s tilt towards developing cooperation with Pakistan as India gets closer to the US; cooperative relations among Pakistan, China and Russia is conducive to curbing the disturbance of external force.

He expounded that Pakistan’s international status had risen significantly, and the great personal charisma of PM Khan had been highly recognised by the international community. In recent years, Pakistan’s diplomacy, focusing on geo-economic strategy, has been very ‘vigorous and successful’ with commitment to balanced relations among major powers in the world.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2022