Metro53 - ST. PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected the notion that Pakistan is a country operating under China's influence, describing Pakistan as an important nation with an independent and diversified foreign policy.
Speaking during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin responded to a question from an Indian journalist regarding Pakistan-China relations. He stated that portraying Pakistan as being entirely under Beijing’s influence was inaccurate and failed to reflect the country's broader international engagement.
“Pakistan is a large and important country with balanced and diverse relations with various nations around the world,” Putin said, emphasizing that Islamabad maintains its own foreign policy and international partnerships.
The Russian president also highlighted the long-standing strategic relationship between Russia and China, noting that defense and military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing has continued for many years and is expected to remain strong in the future. He said bilateral ties are based on mutual interests and strategic partnership.
Responding to a separate question about Iran, Putin stated that Russia enjoys relations based on trust with Tehran and could play a constructive role in efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
Discussing the conflict in Ukraine, Putin claimed that Russian forces had recently gained control of approximately 2,440 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. At the same time, he reiterated that Russia remains open to negotiations and supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Political observers have described Putin’s remarks on Pakistan as a significant diplomatic signal, acknowledging the country's sovereign foreign policy and its independent role in international affairs.
