President Vows to Strengthen Partnership with Russia

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Russia for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond. He was speaking at a reception held in Islamabad today to mark Russia’s National Day.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President expressed his pleasure in joining the celebrations and extended warm congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia on behalf of himself, the government, and the people of Pakistan. He highlighted that Russia’s National Day reflects the country’s national independence, rich heritage, and the spirit of its people.

Recalling his visit to Russia in 2011, Asif Ali Zardari acknowledged President Vladimir Putin’s role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries, which is based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. He attributed the foundation of this relationship to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a pivotal role in developing Pakistan’s ties with the former Soviet Union. This legacy was furthered by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and later by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as Foreign Minister.

Highlighting the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, the President noted that regular interactions between ministers and senior officials demonstrate the growing momentum in Pakistan-Russia ties. Referring to remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this year, he emphasized that the current period represents the most positive phase in Pakistan-Russia relations in many decades.

The President affirmed that Pakistan values Russia as a global power and a trusted partner, sharing a commitment to equality, dialogue, and a stronger voice for developing nations. These principles continue to guide their cooperation in multilateral forums. He emphasized that cooperation between Pakistan and Russia is expanding in the fields of energy, industry, agriculture, and education. He noted that nearly 1,300 Pakistani students are currently studying in Russia, many on Russian scholarships, serving as a bridge between the two societies.

President Zardari concluded by stating that Pakistan looks forward to continued high-level engagements to enhance economic cooperation and realize the full potential of Pakistan-Russia relations.