Russia and Pakistan are expected to sign several agreements here to enhance their bilateral trade and energy cooperation during President Asif Ali Zardari's four-day visit beginning today.
According to sources here, the two countries are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on civil aviation.
The key international issues like anti-terror combat, regional security and cooperation at the regional and international fora like Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Islamic Conference are expected to be discussed tomorrow at Zardari's talks with President Dmitry Medvedev at the Kremlin summit.
Observers here note that although Medvedev has frequently met Zardari on the sidelines of international meets and multi-lateral formats, this will be first official visit of the Pakistani President and acquires special importance in the wake of the US killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbotabad.
As cracks appear in the US-Pakistan alliance, Zardari might seek closer alliance with Russia, Sergei Strokan South Asia analyst of prestigious Kommersant daily believes.
In his interview to local media, Zardari has invited Russia to use Pakistani territory to fulfil the old dream of Russian czars to seek access to "southern seas".
According to him, such a move would contribute to economic prosperity of both countries.
Zardari said Moscow and Islamabad have so far failed to use their potential for economic cooperation to the full and voiced hope that the forthcoming talks with the Russian leaders would provide a fresh impulse for bilateral relations.
In Moscow, Zardari is scheduled to address the faculty and students at the Skolkovo School of Business. On Friday, Zardari will travel to St. Petersburg at the end of his state visit. PTI
