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<\/p>\nMOSCOW\/ISLAMABAD (Voice Of Russia) Pakistan and Russia have agreed to advance a comprehensive Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030, aimed at deepening collaboration in trade, energy, investment, technology, and regional connectivity, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral relations between the two countries.<\/p>\n
The development was highlighted during an international webinar titled “Pakistan\u2013Russia Bilateral Relations at the Cusp of a Shifting Global Order,” jointly organized by the University of World Civilizations, Moscow, and the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).<\/p>\n
The webinar brought together diplomats, policymakers, scholars, journalists, and strategic experts from both countries to discuss the future trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations amid evolving global political and economic dynamics.<\/p>\n
The chief guest was Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Energy and focal person for Pakistan-Russia relations. Pakistani participants included former Ambassador Masood Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, and renowned journalist Talat Hussain.<\/p>\n
Russian participants included Dmitri Alexander, Director of Sputnik International and Russia Today, Dr. Natalia Zamaraeva, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Roksolana Yurievna Zhigon, Director of the Scientific Center “Diplomacy of Peoples, Partnership of Civilizations.”<\/p>\n
Addressing the webinar, Federal Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said Pakistan-Russia relations have undergone a significant positive transformation over the past two decades, evolving from historical mistrust into a pragmatic and constructive partnership based on mutual interests.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He noted that high-level political engagement has increased considerably in recent years, pointing to several meetings between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin as evidence of growing strategic convergence.<\/p>\n
Leghari emphasized that the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) remains the principal mechanism for expanding cooperation in energy, trade, defense, and technology. He announced that both countries have agreed to move forward with an Economic Cooperation Programme extending to 2030, which is expected to help address longstanding challenges, including banking and payment mechanisms affecting bilateral trade.<\/p>\n
The minister also highlighted the recently signed Russia-Pakistan Readmission Agreement, saying it would facilitate visa procedures, promote business travel, and strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries.<\/p>\n
On regional connectivity, Leghari stated that Pakistan is interested in joining the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and supports linking the corridor with Gwadar Port, a move that could significantly enhance regional trade and complement broader connectivity initiatives across Eurasia.<\/p>\n
Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, said that Pakistan and Russia today have a historic opportunity to elevate their relationship beyond traditional diplomacy. He noted that Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran has further underscored its importance as a key diplomatic player in regional and global affairs.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Tirmizi stressed that cooperation in security, trade facilitation, technological innovation, education, and road, rail, and air connectivity would serve as key pillars of a stronger and more resilient bilateral relationship.<\/p>\n
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi highlighted the growing scope of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the energy sector, which he described as opening a new chapter in Pakistan-Russia relations.<\/p>\n
Former Ambassador Masood Khan emphasized the need to significantly increase bilateral trade, currently estimated at around $1.3 billion, and suggested that Pakistan could serve as an important gateway for Russian trade to the Arabian Sea and wider regional markets.<\/p>\n
Participants from both countries underscored Pakistan\u2019s geo-strategic importance as a bridge connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the broader Eurasian region. They also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, technology, counter-terrorism, and people-to-people exchanges.<\/p>\n
Russian participants described the anticipated visit of Pakistan\u2019s Prime Minister to Russia as a highly significant development for bilateral relations and expressed confidence that continued high-level engagement would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n
The webinar concluded with a shared recognition that stronger Pakistan-Russia relations can contribute significantly to regional stability, economic prosperity, connectivity, and constructive international cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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