ISLAMABAD, FEB 24:  Lt. General Bilal Akbar Chief of the General Staff (CJS) attended the Russian armed forces day reception held the other day.

Ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexy Dedov and the Defence attaché Vladimir Balashov hosted a reception to celebrate the Russian armed forces day.

The chief guest though was Air Marshal Muhammad Iqbal from Pakistan Air Force, however CJS Lt. General Bilal Akbar attended the reception as a special guest.

The analysts are viewing presence of the CJS at the Russian reception as highly significant because Pakistan and Russia these days are closely cooperating in the field of defence.

Pakistan intends to buy Russian military hardware and agreements are in the final stages while Russian government too has shown interest in various Pakistani military hardware items.

Apart from military cooperation both countries share views on the issue of terrorism and thus want to tackle this menace jointly. For this both countries have already held a number of meetings.

Like Pakistan, Russia too wants peace in Afghanistan for it is in the interest of both these countries that have been at odds for many years.

Analysts think, proximity of Pakistan and Russia ostensibly is a good omen for the regional peace because both countries can befittingly match challenges posed by terrorism.

Russians are also keen to be part of CPEC, a proposal that hitherto has not been approved by the stakeholders including China.

Analyst also believe there exists a huge mistrust between the both sides but are confident with improved level of relations this mistrust would eventually evaporate.=DNA

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