ISLAMABAD: In first explanation from Moscow on President Putin’s decision not to visit Islamabad, Russian presidential pointman for Afghanistan and Pakistan Zamir Kabulov linked it to a lot of rhetoric on the Pakistani side but little progress towards meaningful cooperation.

“Russian-Pakistani relations have been on the rise in recent years but progress has been mostly at political and emotional levels, while economic ties have lagged behind,” he told The Hindu newspaper.

The two countries finalised three memorandums of understanding at a meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission earlier this month for their signing during President Putin’s planned trip. The MoUs relate to expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills and cooperation in energy and education sectors.

Russian position was that the MoUs were non-binding and largely a reiteration of agreements signed last year during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Moscow.

“Declarations are galore but they have little impact on the ground,” the Russian diplomat said.

Moscow’s main concern was Pakistan’s slow progress towards major projects in the energy sector, including Central Asia-South Asia electricity transmission from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan (CASA-1000), and construction of rail tracks and motor roads from Tajikistan to Pakistan to create new trade routes in the region.

Russia has been interested in the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

The Hindu noted that Moscow had thrown its weight behind these ambitious energy and infrastructure projects, with Mr Putin pledging to invest $500 million in CASA-1000 and offering to help finance and build other projects. Yet, they have made hardly any headway.

Mr Kabulov indirectly expressed doubts that the United States could be preventing progress in Pakistan-Russia ties. “The Asia Development Bank, dominated by Japan, and the US-controlled World Bank appear reluctant to support ventures where Russia plays a lead role.” He said Russia was still open to continue to improve ties which were on a positive trajectory.

In his letter to Mr Zardari, President Putin left the door open for making mends. “I am confident that in future we shall be able to find opportunities for arranging our personal meeting,” he said.

Mr Putin also extended invitation to Mr Zardari — albeit an indirect one.

“We shall always be happy to receive you in Russia.”

Afghanistan is the factor that seems to be keeping Russia keen on relationship with Pakistan despite the current disappointment.

“Our own experience in the past and the track record of others in recent years has taught us that the problem of Afghanistan cannot be resolved without the constructive involvement of Pakistan and Iran,” Mr Kabulov said.