ISLAMABAD: Pakistan seeks a “comprehensive” partnership with Russian in energy, agriculture, information technology (IT) and other sectors, Pakistan’s Senate Secretariat said on Sunday, citing Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The statement followed Gilani’s meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent.
Gilani highlighted the shared aspirations of both nations for peace, security and multipolarity in global affairs, and emphasized the increasingly broad-based cooperation across various sectors and multilateral platforms.
“Both sides discussed diversifying economic ties in areas such as energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Chairman Gilani advocated for the establishment of banking channels and improved connectivity under regional frameworks,” the Senate Secretariat said in a statement.
“Chairman Gilani concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to work with Russia toward a comprehensive, forward-looking partnership and extended an invitation for future parliamentary exchanges in Islamabad.”
Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened ties in recent years through increased dialogue and trade. In 2023, Islamabad began purchasing discounted Russian crude oil banned from European markets due to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and also received its first shipment of liquefied petroleum gas from Moscow.
In December last year, Russia and Pakistan held intergovernmental meetings in Moscow and discussed cooperation on oil and gas offshore exploration and refining, according to a Reuters news agency report. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev this year announced cooperation with Pakistan in the energy and industrial sectors, including the modernization of a state-owned steel mill.
Gilani expressed Pakistan’s support for Russia’s role in promoting regional stability and multipolar global governance, according to the Senate Secretariat.
“Both sides emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in forums like the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) and UN (United Nations), particularly regarding climate action, food security, and counter-narcotics,” it added.
Pakistan seeks ‘comprehensive’ partnership with Russia in energy, agriculture and IT sectors
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Pakistan seeks ‘comprehensive’ partnership with Russia in energy, agriculture and IT sectors
- Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened ties in recent years through increased dialogue and trade cooperation
- Senate Chairman Gilani expresses Pakistan’s support for Russia’s role in promoting regional stability, multipolar global governance
Pakistan urges dialogue on Iran in call with European Union’s vice president
- Ishaq Dar, Kaja Kallas discuss regional tensions as Pakistan stresses diplomacy
- Both officials also appreciate the ‘positive momentum’ in Pakistan-EU relations
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy while discussing the situation in Iran during a telephone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the European Union’s Vice President Kaja Kallas, according to the foreign office.
The call came amid heightened regional tensions linked to unrest in Iran, as European governments intensify scrutiny of Tehran’s response to protests and assess broader security risks.
“DPM/FM reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement,” the foreign office said, adding that both sides agreed to remain in close contact.
The statement added that Dar and Kallas welcomed the “positive momentum” in Pakistan-EU relations and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
European governments have in recent days condemned Iran’s crackdown to quell the anti-government protests that broke out last month over economic hardship and escalated into widespread demonstrations.
On Friday, the European Union’s aviation regulator urged airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, citing heightened risks linked to weapons systems, air-defense activity and the potential for misidentification amid elevated regional tensions, according to a Reuters report.
Pakistan has consistently called for restraint, dialogue and political solutions in regional crises, positioning diplomacy as a means to prevent escalation and protect regional stability.
