Pakistan, Russia vow to strengthen bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said Pakistan would further strengthen its partnership with the Russian Federation to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond, describing Russia as a global power and a trusted partner. Addressing a ceremony held in connection with Russia’s National Day, the president said Pakistan values its longstanding relations with Russia, which have developed on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. He said that successive Pakistani leaderships, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, contributed to strengthening ties between the two countries. He said bilateral relations were moving in a positive direction through continued high-level engagement. President Zardari said cooperation between Pakistan and Russia was expanding in multiple sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, and education, adding that around 1, 300 Pakistani students were currently studying in Russia on scholarships and other programs. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, he said the country aimed to further deepen cooperation with Russia to promote peace and development globally. Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev, speaking on the occasion, expressed condolences over a recent Pakistan Army helicopter crash and appreciated Pakistan’s balanced stance on global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Russia and included a cultural performance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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