Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral relations in trade, commerce, investment, agriculture, and energy, following a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and a visiting Russian parliamentary delegation led by Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Russian Federation Council. The high-level talks, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, focused on expanding mutual cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party announcement issued on 28 October 2024, President Zardari welcomed the Russian delegation and emphasized the historical ties between Pakistan and Russia, underscoring mutual respect and the shared goal of broadening cooperation across multiple sectors. He highlighted the potential for economic growth through increased Russian investment in Pakistan and proposed enhanced cultural exchanges and scholarship programs to foster stronger people-to-people connections.
President Zardari also recalled his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat and sought Russia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS, aiming to elevate Pakistan’s role in regional and global cooperation. Both sides stressed the importance of diversifying trade, strengthening economic ties, and improving regional connectivity, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the North-South Transport Corridor.
Ms. Matvienko conveyed Russia’s prioritization of its relationship with Pakistan, expressing confidence that her visit would contribute to deepening bilateral ties. She mentioned the potential for growth in trade and announced plans for a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ parliaments. Additionally, she conveyed greetings from President Putin and congratulated Pakistan on successfully hosting the SCO Heads of Government meeting and its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, which Russia supports.
The meeting was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Senators Sherry Rehman, Aimal Wali Khan, Manzoor Ahmad Kakar, Saleem H. Mandviwala, and Bushra Anjum Butt.