Key Points:
- Dates being finalised for high-level talks in Moscow
- Pakistan negotiating long-term Russian oil supplies
- Visit was earlier delayed due to regional security developments
- Vladimir Putin may visit Islamabad in return
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to visit Russia in June as Pakistan and Moscow move to further strengthen bilateral ties, including negotiations on long-term oil supplies, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has said.
In an interview with a Russian television channel, Ambassador Tirmizi said efforts were underway to finalise dates for the prime minister’s visit, expressing optimism that the trip would take place by June.
“We are working on the dates, and hopefully by June, the prime minister will be there, as he is really looking forward to this historic visit,” he said.
Visit and diplomacy
The ambassador noted that the visit had previously been postponed due to regional developments, despite agreements and preparatory work having already been completed.
He highlighted that Prime Minister Sharif had held several meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of international engagements, describing him as “a voice of wisdom and a great statesman of global affairs.”
Tirmizi expressed hope that improving regional conditions would allow the visit to proceed, adding that it could pave the way for a reciprocal visit by President Putin to Islamabad.
On regional diplomacy, the envoy said Pakistan maintained close coordination with Russia during recent tensions between Iran and the United States, playing a mediating role while remaining engaged with all sides.
He revealed that he had held three high-level meetings with Russian deputy foreign ministers over the past two weeks, underscoring the intensity of diplomatic engagement.
The ambassador also credited Prime Minister Sharif’s direct engagement with former US President Donald Trump for contributing to de-escalation efforts, which ultimately led to the decision to hold negotiations in Pakistan.
Energy talks advance
On energy cooperation, Tirmizi confirmed that Islamabad was in talks with Moscow for long-term oil supplies.
“We are getting oil from the Gulf now, and we are in talks with the Russians as well. We received one consignment in 2023, and negotiations are continuing regularly,” he said, adding that such an arrangement would be significant for both countries.
Responding to a question about Western sanctions, the ambassador acknowledged that some Russian companies faced constraints but said Pakistan was working on avenues that did not fall within sanction regimes.
Defence, regional cooperation
On defence cooperation, he said Pakistan and Russia would hold the “Druzhba” joint counter-terrorism exercises in Pakistan in September this year.
He added that both countries would continue close cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure to combat terrorism, extremism, and militant groups operating in the region.
Ambassador Tirmizi also expressed confidence that Pakistan deserved membership in BRICS, noting that Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa supported Islamabad’s candidature, while India remained opposed.
Growing people-to-people ties
Highlighting growing people-to-people ties, he said around 1,300 Pakistani students were currently studying in Russia, while cultural exchanges continued through language and literature initiatives.
He noted that approximately 3,000 Russians married to Pakistanis were living in Pakistan, with frequent travel between the two countries.
The ambassador added that Pakistan was planning to send its first organised group of Russian tourists to the country, aiming to promote tourism potential including mountaineering, beaches, and cultural heritage.
He said Russia’s interest in Pakistan’s natural landscape was already evident, with tourists visiting for hiking and mountaineering, particularly drawn to the country’s high peaks.
