ISLAMABAD (GNP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, urged deeper economic, educational and people-to-people ties with Russia at a Special Talk on “Pakistan-Russia Relations” held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
The discussion centred on practical steps to widen cooperation and remove obstacles facing businesses, students and travellers between the two countries. He said growing political engagement should be turned into concrete cooperation in trade, student mobility and regional connectivity.
Tirmizi named visa facilitation, direct flights and solutions to banking and payment difficulties as priorities. He described preparations for a bilateral business forum, including meetings between companies beforehand, and discussed transport routes through Iran, Afghanistan and China.
He called for stronger partnerships between universities, more student exchanges, and cooperation in science, engineering and agriculture. He also pointed to Russian language teaching, cultural exchange and closer links between the two countries’ media and creative industries.
Following the Russian Interior Minister’s recent visit to Pakistan, Tirmizi highlighted openings for cooperation on counterterrorism and law enforcement.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev said Russia is ready to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He voiced concern about reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and about the effect of border closures on regional trade.
ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque spoke of the institute’s cooperation with Russian think tanks and its efforts to expand joint research and academic exchanges. In closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, noted the growing alignment between Pakistan and Russia, including on counterterrorism.
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The event was organised by ISSI’s Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) and brought together diplomats, scholars and researchers for an interactive discussion.
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.
