BEIJING, Apr 14 (DNA): As highlighted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, the deepening of Pakistan-Russia relations is a testament to Pakistan’s foresighted strategic acumen, a deliberate realignment that serves its core national interests and reshapes regional and global geopolitics.

What was once a cautious partnership has become a bold, forward-thinking choice to strengthen its strategic autonomy and enhance global influence amid intense great-power competition.

These views were expressed by Prof Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

Pakistan’s pivotal shift to alternative currencies in bilateral trade is a visionary step. This astute move eases its economic strains, elevates its strategic position and showcases remarkable resilience, turning challenges into opportunities to assert financial control, he added.

He said that energy cooperation further reflects Pakistan’s foresight: securing stable and affordable Russian energy addresses its persistent energy crisis, laying a foundation for development. This move enhances its energy and economic stability, demonstrating its ability to forge mutually beneficial partnerships prioritizing core interests.

Prof Cheng said that in defense, Pakistan’s proactive engagement with Russia—including planned joint military exercises and SCO counter-terrorism cooperation—deepens strategic trust and boosts regional influence. Its BRICS aspiration, backed by Russia, is a strategic masterstroke to elevate its international standing and reduce reliance on Western alliances.

In essence, this partnership is a brilliant strategic maneuver advancing Pakistan’s long-term national interests. It effectively diversifies its diplomatic and economic partnerships, frees it from rigid geopolitical constraints, and positions Pakistan as a clear strategic winner, while also fostering regional stability and contributing to a more balanced multipolar global order, he added.