Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia have committed to enhancing their bilateral relations, with a focus on expanding economic and trade cooperation. The discussions were held between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Russian counterpart Alexei Overchuk, aiming to outline further potential for expansion in various sectors.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the talks centered on increasing the bilateral trade, which reached a milestone of one billion dollars last year. Both nations are keen on resolving logistical and other related issues to deepen their trade ties. Energy cooperation was highlighted as a significant area with untapped potential, with both sides aiming to explore further collaborations.
During a news conference in Islamabad, Dar emphasized the importance of developing connectivity projects, including rail and road networks between the two countries and beyond. He also noted the strategic importance of regional cooperation, viewing Russia as a crucial player in the West, South, and Central Asia. Strengthening mutually beneficial relations with Russia remains a priority for Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Dar expressed appreciation for Russia’s historically strong relations with the Muslim world, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and its stance on the Palestine conflict. He highlighted Russia’s respect for religious sentiments, which aligns with the views of the Muslim Ummah.
The discussions also covered the prospect of collaboration between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Caucasia, and Russia. Overchuk discussed the opportunities for implementing a free trade agreement between Pakistan and these five countries, with further discussions and finalization expected in the near future.
An upcoming inter-governmental commission meeting in Russia later this year was mentioned as a crucial opportunity to further enhance trade and economic relations. Overchuk also pointed out that their goals and visions for development and economic ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are closely aligned, including areas such as connectivity, climate change, food security, energy transition, and energy security.
Both leaders expressed hopes for continued high-level contacts and reiterated their commitment to deepen and strengthen the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia.