BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday signed a Joint Statement on No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space in Bishkek, a reflection of convergence of views between the two Countries, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
The Joint Statement was signed by the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Text of Joint Statement by Russia and Pakistan on No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space
- Noting the significance of Outer Space activities as an important factor of social, economic, scientific and technological development of States, as well as their role in maintaining national and global security,
- Believe that Outer Space should be used in compliance with international law for the benefit of all Nations, regardless of the level of their economic, scientific or technological development,
- Reiterate their commitment to the principle enshrined in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter – to refrain in international relations from the threat or use of force, including in Outer Space activities – and proceed from the assumption that all States will strictly adhere to that policy,
- Emphasize that the achievement of an international treaty preventing the arms race in Outer Space as well as banning the placement or use of weapons therein is a priority for the international community,
- Declare that they will not in any way be the first to place weapons of any kind in Outer Space, that they will make all possible efforts to prevent Outer Space from becoming an arena for military confrontation and to ensure security in Outer Space activities. The Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan call upon Space-faring Nations to follow their example.
In a statement issued in Islamabad, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said that the Outer Space is being used by an increasing number of States. Pakistan has been consistently highlighting the risks of weaponization of Outer Space, which threaten the long term sustainability of peaceful space activities. The use of force against space based objects, the development and deployment of Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems and their integration into space assets have added worrying dimensions to the issues relating to Outer Space.
There is an urgent need to address gaps in the international legal regime governing the exploration and use of outer space with a view to ensuring that no one threatens peaceful activities and applications of space technologies for socio-economic development.
Pakistan and Russia share a common position on the prevention of arms race in outer space and work collectively in various international fora towards that goal.
The two Countries have reiterated their commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force in Outer Space activities. We encourage other responsible space-faring nations to follow this example.
Meanwhile, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Sergey Lavrov also held delegation level talks on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, and agreed to enhance Pak-Russia cooperation in various fields including trade, energy and defense sectors.
The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and security situation in the region, particularly the latest developments in peace process in Afghanistan.
