Islamabad (GNP): President Asif Ali Zardari has called for closer cooperation with Russia in trade, energy, industrial development, regional connectivity and counterterrorism, saying the goodwill between the two countries’ leaderships should produce real benefits for their people. He spoke to Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Welcoming his guest, Zardari said relations between the two countries keep growing regardless of geopolitical factors or Pakistan’s ties with third countries. He urged full use of existing institutional mechanisms to advance cooperation across sectors.
Bilateral trade, valued at US$243.412 million in the 2025 financial year, still falls short of its potential, he said. He described Russia as an important energy partner and said Pakistan wants to widen cooperation in oil and gas.
Zardari said Pakistan’s location makes it a natural bridge between South, Central and West Asia. He expressed interest in strengthening links through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and through rail and road routes across Central Asia, and stressed the need to restart direct flights soon and improve cargo connectivity.
On educational and people-to-people ties, he welcomed the large increase in visas Pakistan has issued to Russian nationals and asked for similar facilitation for Pakistani businesspeople, tourists and students. He was glad to see more Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Russia, and said their visa, residency and immigration problems need attention.
On regional security, Zardari voiced deep concern about rising tensions in the Gulf, especially attacks on shipping, energy facilities and critical infrastructure. He said the conflict threatens regional stability, global energy security, trade and supply chains. He called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, urged the parties to show restraint and keep their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and said disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underlined the importance of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Kolokoltsev said relations between the two countries are strong and improving over time. He thanked Pakistan for its backing at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations. Trade, he observed, does not match the strength of the political relationship, and there is considerable room to expand it. He invited Zardari to visit Russia.
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Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev accompanied the minister, and Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi also attended.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
