In a significant move to cement Russia-Pakistan ties ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Moscow, the Islamabad Embassy in Moscow announced plans for a Business Forum. The event will feature over 100 Pakistani companies engaging with Russian counterparts across trade, investment, and energy sectors.
Speaking at the Moscow-Islamabad Media Forum earlier this month, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, outlined an optimistic outlook on bilateral relations, highlighting ongoing meetings between Prime Minister Sharif and President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that their upcoming visit will mark their fifth significant summit-level contact.
Tirmizi added, “We aim to deepen our cooperation across multiple fronts including politics, economy, defense, education, and public sectors.” The Pakistan-Russia Business Forum will be a pivotal part of this process, with attendees expected to discuss opportunities for mutual growth.
At the forum, Ambassador Tirmizi detailed past collaborative efforts in disaster relief. He cited Russia’s swift support after the devastating 2005 earthquake and subsequent floods in Pakistan, alongside recent joint missions by Russian emergency service delegations aimed at bolstering regional preparedness and recovery capabilities.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maria Zakharova underscored the forum’s role as a vital platform for fostering mutual understanding. She emphasized that the event aims to strengthen ties through enhanced information exchange and cultural exchanges, noting its significance in today’s interconnected world.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Albert Khurief highlighted the importance of such forums in facilitating deeper bilateral cooperation. He mentioned Pakistan often faced isolation in counterterrorism efforts and stressed the necessity of regional stability, economic ties, and mutual benefits as pillars for enduring alliances.
Geopolitical analyst Roksolana Zigon noted that recent cooperation between Russia and Pakistan is rooted in a blend of traditional diplomacy and public engagement. While relations dipped during the Cold War era, strategic shifts and evolving regional dynamics have rejuvenated ties across various sectors.
Senators and experts from both countries participated in this joint event organized by Rossiya Segodnya Media Group, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and other institutions, underscoring the significance of these forums in shaping future bilateral engagements.