Pakistan’s current allies
Pakistan is a country with a long history of diplomatic alliances and partnerships with other nations. Currently, Pakistan’s strongest allies are China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. These countries have shown consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on various regional and international issues.
Apart from these countries, Pakistan also has friendly relations with Russia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Iran, and Afghanistan. While the level of cooperation and support from these countries may vary, Pakistan maintains cordial ties with them.
China-Pakistan friendship
The China-Pakistan friendship is often described as an "all-weather" partnership that has grown stronger with time. China has provided Pakistan with significant economic and military assistance, including the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The two countries share a strategic partnership that extends to areas like defense, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.
Pakistan has been a vocal supporter of China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, and both countries have been coordinating on various regional issues, including the peace process in Afghanistan. The strong ties between China and Pakistan have been a source of concern for some countries, including India and the United States.
Pakistan’s military alliances
Pakistan is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). These organizations provide Pakistan with a platform to engage with other countries on various issues, including regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
Pakistan has also been a part of several military alliances, including the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). While these alliances have dissolved over time, Pakistan’s military has maintained close ties with countries like China and the United States.
The United States and Pakistan
The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been a complex one, characterized by periods of cooperation and tension. The two countries have cooperated on various issues, including counter-terrorism, regional stability, and economic development.
However, the relationship has been strained by issues like the US drone strikes in Pakistan, the killing of Osama bin Laden, and accusations of Pakistan’s support for militant groups. The Trump administration’s decision to cut aid to Pakistan further strained the relationship between the two countries.
Pakistan’s relationship with Russia
Pakistan and Russia have been working to improve their relationship in recent years. The two countries have been cooperating on various issues, including counter-terrorism and regional stability. Russia has shown interest in participating in the CPEC project, which could further boost economic ties between the two countries.
Pakistan and Russia have also been working to increase military cooperation, including joint military exercises. While the relationship between Pakistan and Russia is still in its early stages, it has the potential to become a significant partnership in the region.
Pakistan’s ties with Turkey
Pakistan and Turkey have a longstanding friendship that dates back to the early days of Pakistan’s independence. The two countries share cultural, historical, and religious ties that have strengthened their relationship over time.
Turkey has been a vocal supporter of Pakistan on various international issues, including Kashmir, and has provided Pakistan with economic and military aid. The two countries have also been working to improve their economic ties, including through the establishment of a free trade agreement.
Pakistan’s alliance with Saudi Arabia
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been close allies for decades. Saudi Arabia has provided Pakistan with significant economic aid, and the two countries have maintained strong military ties. Pakistan has also been a part of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, where it has provided military support.
The relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has come under strain in recent years, particularly over Pakistan’s relations with Iran. However, the two countries have been working to strengthen their ties, including through the establishment of a joint working group on security and defense.
Pakistan-Iran relations
Pakistan and Iran have had a complex relationship, marked by periods of cooperation and tension. The two countries share a long border, and Pakistan has been a key transit route for Iranian goods to other countries.
However, Pakistan’s relationship with Iran has been strained by issues like Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict and accusations of Pakistan’s support for militant groups operating in Iran. Despite these challenges, the two countries have been working to improve their relationship, including through the establishment of a joint border commission.
Pakistan’s partnership with the United Arab Emirates
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have maintained close ties, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, and Pakistan has received significant economic support from the UAE in the form of aid and investments.
The two countries have also cooperated on various regional issues, including the peace process in Afghanistan. Pakistan has also been a key partner for the UAE in its efforts to combat terrorism.
Pakistan’s friendship with Malaysia
Pakistan and Malaysia have maintained a friendly relationship, with ties dating back to the early days of Pakistan’s independence. Malaysia has provided Pakistan with significant economic support, including through the provision of scholarships and aid.
The two countries have also been working to improve their economic ties, including through the establishment of a free trade agreement. Pakistan and Malaysia have also been cooperating on various regional issues, including the peace process in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s cooperation with Afghanistan
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long and complex history, marked by issues like border disputes, the presence of militant groups, and the flow of refugees between the two countries. Despite these challenges, the two countries have been working to improve their relationship.
Pakistan has been a key partner in the peace process in Afghanistan, and has been working to facilitate talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Pakistan has also been providing humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s diplomatic relationships
Pakistan’s relationship with other countries is shaped by a range of factors, including geographic proximity, economic interests, and shared security concerns. While Pakistan has faced challenges in its relationships with some countries, it has maintained cordial ties with a diverse range of partners.
Pakistan’s relationships with China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are particularly significant, as these countries have provided consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on various regional and international issues. Pakistan’s partnerships with other countries like the United States, Russia, and Iran are still evolving, but hold the potential to become significant partnerships in the region.
