{"id":61836,"date":"2026-03-30T20:51:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T20:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=61836"},"modified":"2026-03-30T21:26:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T21:26:29","slug":"ambassador-sarvar-azimov-of-uzbekistan-contributed-a-lot-in-fostering-pakistan-ussr-relations-in-the-most-cruicial-cold-war-era-services-remembered-by-issi-russia-embassy-in-islamabad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/ambassador-sarvar-azimov-of-uzbekistan-contributed-a-lot-in-fostering-pakistan-ussr-relations-in-the-most-cruicial-cold-war-era-services-remembered-by-issi-russia-embassy-in-islamabad\/","title":{"rendered":"Ambassador Sarvar Azimov of Uzbekistan : Contributed A Lot in Fostering Pakistan USSR Relations in the Most Cruicial Cold War Era : Services Remembered by ISSI & Russia Embassy in Islamabad"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"ISSI hosted a Roundtable discussion\u00a0 in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad<\/strong><\/p>\n

ISLAMABAD : 30 March 2026 – The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad, hosted a roundtable discussion titled \u201cRemembering Ambassador Sarvar Azimov: Diplomacy and Pakistan\u2013Soviet Relations (1974\u20131980),\u201d. The event brought together senior diplomats, scholars, and members of the policy community to reflect on a formative phase in Pakistan\u2013Soviet relations and the enduring legacy of Ambassador Sarvar Azimov.<\/p>\n

Ambassadors Albert P. Khorev of Russia, Alisher Tukhtaev of Uzbekistan, Atadjan Movlamov of Turkmenistan, Yerzhan Kistafin of Kazakhstan, Sultan Kylychbek, Belarus Andrei N. Metelitsa, DHM Tajikistan Maroof Abdul Rehmon participated in the roundtable.<\/p>\n

Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director CSP<\/strong>, in her introductory remarks highlighted the importance of revisiting diplomatic legacies amid global instability and declining trust.She noted that reflecting on history can provide insights for sustaining dialogue and cooperation in complex international contexts.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI<\/strong>, in his welcome remarks, framed the roundtable as both a commemorative exercise and an analytical reflection. He noted that Ambassador Azimov served during a period marked by Cold War tensions, regional realignments, and strategic uncertainty, requiring diplomacy characterised by patience, nuance, and a deep understanding of national interests.He emphasised that Pakistan\u2013Russia relations have evolved through multiple phases, ranging from caution and distance to gradual engagement and normalisation.<\/p>\n

In this context, revisiting historical experiences is essential for understanding the foundations of contemporary bilateral relations and for informing future policy directions.\"\"<\/p>\n

Russian Federation Ambassador Albert P. Khorev<\/strong> highlighted late Ambassador Sarvar Azimov\u2019s unique combination of intellectual depth and diplomatic skill. He recalled his pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan\u2013Soviet relations during the 1970s as Pakistan, under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, diversified its foreign policy.<\/p>\n

He pointed to major Soviet-supported initiatives\u2014such as Karachi Steel Mills and key thermal power plants\u2014as crucial to Pakistan\u2019s industrial growth and economic self-reliance, reflecting a broader strategic alignment despite Cold War tensions.<\/p>\n

Ambassador khorev also emphasised Ambssador Azimov\u2019s role in maintaining continuity in bilateral ties amid regional and political challenges, with trade expanding significantly between 1973 and 1980. Highlighting people-to-people and institutional cooperation, including Soviet technical assistance and training for Pakistani engineers, Ambassador Khorev stressed that these efforts built lasting foundations for collaboration and mutual understanding, and expressed hope for continued recognition of such diplomatic legacies.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Anvar S. Azimov, a distinguished Russian diplomat and son of late Ambassador Sarvar Azimov,<\/strong> delivered deeply reflective remarks that combined personal insight with strategic perspective. He emphasised that, historically, Pakistan and the Soviet Union maintained a fundamentally constructive bilateral relationship, notwithstanding external geopolitical pressures from major powers.<\/p>\n

He noted that both countries consistently sought to strengthen cooperation in line with their national interests and shared developmental objectives.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Anvar Azimov highlighted the Soviet Union\u2019s early recognition of Pakistan and its role in facilitating dialogue during the 1965\u201366 India\u2013Pakistan conflict, particularly through the Tashkent process, which reflected Moscow\u2019s commitment to regional stability.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on his father\u2019s diplomatic approach, he underscored that Ambassador Sarvar Azimov prioritised trust-building, respect, and engagement across political divides, enabling him to maintain productive relationships with successive Pakistani leaderships during a complex and evolving political environment.<\/p>\n

He noted that such an approach was instrumental in sustaining cooperation even during periods of geopolitical tension. He also highlighted the broader significance of Soviet assistance to Pakistan\u2019s industrial and economic development, particularly in sectors such as steel, energy, and technical training.<\/p>\n

Uzbekistan Tajikistan Enter into a New Era of Economic Cooperation | First Meeting of Supreme Interstate Council | 10 Major Projects Launched by the Leaders<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n