Islamabad, In a significant meeting held at the Parliament House on Wednesday, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defense, welcomed a distinguished Russian delegation led by Senator Vladimir A. Chizhov, the International Observer for Pakistan’s General Election 2024 and convener of the Pakistan-Russia Friendship Group. The delegation included the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E Albert P. Khorev, Mr. Igor Borisov, a member of the Russian Federation’s Election Commission, and other officials from the Russian Embassy.
According to Senate of Pakistan, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed expressed his gratitude towards Senator Chizhov for his visit to Pakistan to observe the forthcoming general elections, underlining the gesture’s significance in fostering closer bilateral relations. Senator Chizhov conveyed best regards to Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani from the speakers of both houses of the Russian Federation, highlighting the warm diplomatic ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, Senator Mushahid briefed the Russian delegation on Pakistan’s vibrant democracy and the upcoming elections, emphasizing the democratic ethos prevalent among the Pakistani populace. Discussions also touched upon the electoral systems in the US and Russia, with a focus on drawing parallels and learning from each model.
The talks reiterated the mutual desire to strengthen Pakistan-Russia ties, with both parties discussing global conflicts and the importance of resolving regional confrontations to ensure peace. Senator Mushahid highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations, marked by frequent high-level exchanges and a shared commitment to a long-term, multidimensional partnership encompassing food security, energy, defense, and people-to-people contacts.
Trade and economic relations were also a focal point, with both sides acknowledging the potential for expansion in trade, energy, connectivity, industry, finance, and IT. Senator Mushahid expressed Pakistan’s interest in joining the North-South Transport Corridor, as invited by President Putin, emphasizing connectivity’s crucial role in bilateral relations.
Multilateral cooperation, including Pakistan’s interest in joining BRICS and collaboration within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), was discussed, with both sides committing to regional multilateralism and overcoming obstacles within the SCO space.
The ongoing Ukraine conflict was acknowledged, with Pakistan reiterating its neutral stance and expressing confidence in Russia’s diplomatic traditions to find a resolution to the conflict. Pakistan’s consistent neutral position since the conflict’s onset in February 2022 was emphasized, along with its refusal to vote on anti-Russian resolutions in the UN General Assembly.
The meeting concluded with Mr. Igor Borisov briefing on Russia’s electoral system and welcoming Senator Mushahid’s insights. Both parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for their peoples’ mutual benefit and contributing to regional security and global stability.