Russian media establish significance of geo-strategic affairs in bilateral ties between the two countries.

MOSCOW: The Russian media have given extensive coverage to the official visit of President Asif Ali Zardar to Moscow, which is manifestation of geo-strategic significance of Pakistan and the expectations of furthering relations between the two countries.

They concluded their news stories, articles, editorials and talks shows by saying that the visit will set a new direction in bilateral relations of Pakistan and Russia.

President Zardari interview to the local media in which he invited Russia to use Pakistani territory to gain an access to "southern seas" was published as lead story in majority of the newspapers.

In his interview, the President has said that such a move would contribute to economic prosperity of both countries.

During the one-on-one talks, both Zardari and Medvedev emphasised the importance they attach to promoting stability and peace in the broader region and, in this regard, to continue to enhance contacts, consultations, cooperation and coordination between the two countries, was also given wide publicity in the Russian press.

The leading English language newspaper Moscow Times with the caption `Pakistani Visit Highlights Joint Goals' has highlighted the energy cooperation between the two countries with special reference to Gazprom's offer of help in developing energy resources in Pakistan.

The Russian language newspaper Kommersant in its story titled `Pakistan shortens the distance from Russia' has said that the first official visit of President Zardari will play a great role in enhancing trade and political ties between the two countries.

Nezavisimaya Gazeta in a detailed write up titled `Russia is ready to develop ties with Pakistan' focussed on bilateral trade issues and Russian support for Pakistan's entry into Shanghai

Cooperation Organization and other regional organizations. Rossiyskaya Gazeta in its story titled `Main evil' has termed terrorism as the biggest enemy facing by both the countries and

requires a joint approach to tackle it. The newspaper has also highlighted the bright economic prospects that exist between Pakistan and Russia.

Red Star newspaper in its news story titled `Together against common threats' has emphasized the need for standing up collectively against all threats and challenges including terrorism. It also gives reference to Pak-Russia economic relations.

Apart from press, Russian TV channels like RT, Vesti, Russia Today and others gave wider coverage to the President's visit in their news and programmes. Radio Voice of Russia not only covered the President's visit in its routine transmission but also gave in-depth news stories in its Urdu service.