Pakistan-Cuba Relations: From Past to Present

Abstract

41 *A. Z. Hilali is a Professor of International Relations at Peshawar University. He earned his Ph.D from the University of Hull (UK). He is the author of “US-Pakistan Relationship: Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan”, published by Ashgate (UK & USA, 2005) 1 Andrew Berding, Foreign Affairs and You: How American Foreign Policy is made and What It Means to You (New York: Doubleday & Company, 1962), p.11. 2 Andrew Berding, Foreign Affairs and You: How American Foreign Policy is made and What It Means to You (New York: Doubleday & Company, 1962), pp.11-12. 3 Joseph.S Nye, New Dimensions in World Politics (London, Croom Helm, 1975). Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Vol. XXXVIII, No.1, Fall 2014 Pakistan-Cuba Relations: From Past to Present A. Z. Hilali* In the contemporary state system diplomacy and foreign policy are the integral parts of world politics and both are perceived to be essential part of relationship and the effective instrument and important element for friendly and adversary countries in the world.1 Foreign relations with other countries are primarily of a diplomatic nature but countries extend economic, commerce, and cultural missions abroad to achieve political and strategic objectives. Development in the world has enormously increased contracts, which demand the formulation of foreign policy according to a country’s interests.2 Thus, foreign policy is a political strategy of a sovereign country in its interaction with other sovereign entities. It invariably seeks to protect and promote national interest and national values.3 Pakistan’s foreign policy is linked to a particular ideology and has specific objectives while seeking to be flexible policy in reaching to the country’s goals. Foreign policy as an instrument can create an atmosphere of cordiality, frater¬nity, and mutual understanding with any country. Accordingly Pakistan supports the cause of small and developing countries for freedom and independence and opposes imperialism and apartheid. It has raised its voice against injustice, illegal occupation and colonialism and all forms of foreign aggression, domination, and interference as well as the hegemony of great powers. Pakistan has consistently supported the cause of oppressed and exploited nations seeking social justice and fair treatment 42 in the world affairs. However, according to the increasing trend for interdependence in the 21st century new realities replaced the previous values. States are shaping new policies aiming at a better economic future far more than it did in the past. It became necessary because countries of the Latin America have not only grown stronger but have expanded relations with others including China and India. Pakistan’s attention has also broadened beyond the South Asian region to face the ongoing challenges of poverty, inequality, democratization, economic development, energy and public security. By focusing on areas of mutual concern, Pakistan can develop a partnership with other countries of the world including Latin America for their own progress. Such partnership would also promote Islamabad objectives of fostering stability, prosperity and human security. So, the Latin American region would be a better option for Pakistan which has benefited greatly in recent years from democratic opening, stable economic policies, and increasing growth. Thus, Pakistan can take advantage from these developments to consolidate democratic institutions and to broaden economic opportunities to better serve its people. It is important to mention that there is growing realization for the need to integrate into global markets and working to strengthen weak politicoeconomic institutions. So, in the changing global environment, it has become a fundamental principle of Pakistan’s foreign policy to pursue its objectives through the policy of promoting integration between the periphery states and to focus its efforts towards and enhancing sociopolitical stability and economic prosperity. Pakistan’s Latin America Policy Pakistan’s relations with Latin American continent have been limited as India has been the main factor in Pakistan’s foreign policy. Accordingly, Pakistan’s diplomatic horizon suffered and hampered foreign policy. The perennial disputes with India pushed policy makers to favor contact with developed countries to obtain economic and military assistance to deal with the perceived threat of India.4 At the same time, there was diplomatic competition between India and Pakistan which became the common feature in the conduct of foreign...