ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance bilateral ties in the areas of agriculture, commerce, energy, investment and trade for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
According to a press release issued by the President House on Monday, this was discussed at a meeting between Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker of the Russian Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, at the Presidency.
The President welcoming the Russian delegation, highlighted the historical ties between Pakistan and Russia which were marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
The President while talking to the delegation, emphasized the need to strengthen cultural linkages through people-to-people contacts and scholarship programs. He also said that both nations had enormous potential for increasing economic cooperation and called for Russian investment in Pakistan.
The President recalled his recent pleasant interaction with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Ashgabat. He also sought support from Russia for Pakistan’s bid to become a member of BRICS which would greatly help Pakistan to enhance its role in regional and international cooperation through the alliance.
Both sides stressed the importance of diversifying trade and economic cooperation, besides enhancing regional connectivity and commercial ties through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the North-South Transport Corridor.
The Russian Speaker expressing her views said that her country accorded priority to its relationship with Pakistan and expressed confidence that her visit would further boost bilateral cooperation. She said d that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Parliaments of the two countries would further deepen bilateral relations.
She expressed satisfaction over the growing bilateral trade. She also conveyed the special greetings from President Putin. During the meeting, she congratulated Pakistan on the successful hosting of the SCO Heads of Government submit as well as Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
President Zardari expressed gratitude to Russia for its support of Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Aimal Wali Khan, Senator Saleem H. Mandviwala, Senator Manzoor Ahmad Kakar, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and other senior officials attended the meeting.
