Zardari calls for stronger Pak-Russia ties

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called for enhanced Pakistan-Russia cooperation in trade, energy, industrial development, regional connectivity and counterterrorism, emphasising the need to translate the goodwill between the two countries' leaderships into tangible benefits for their people.

He expressed these views while talking to Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Welcoming the Russian interior minister to Pakistan, the president said bilateral relations continue to grow independently of geopolitical considerations and relations with third countries.

He stressed the importance of making full use of existing institutional mechanisms to advance cooperation across various sectors.

The president said bilateral trade, which stood at $243.412 million in the financial year 2025, remained below its potential.

He described Russia as an important energy partner and expressed Pakistan's interest in expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sectors.

Emphasising the importance of regional connectivity, President Zardari said Pakistan's geographical position makes it a natural bridge between South, Central and West Asia. He expressed interest in strengthening connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as well as rail and road links through Central Asia.

He also stressed the need for the early resumption of direct flights and improved cargo connectivity between Pakistan and Russia.

On people-to-people and educational ties, the president appreciated the manifold increase in visas issued by Pakistan to Russian nationals and called for reciprocal visa facilitation for Pakistani businessmen, tourists and students as well.

He also expressed satisfaction over the growing number of Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Russia and highlighted the need to address their visa, residency and immigration-related difficulties.

Discussing regional security, President Zardari expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Gulf, particularly attacks on maritime traffic, energy installations and critical infrastructure. He said the conflict posed serious challenges to regional stability, global energy security, trade and supply chains.

He stressed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, urged the parties to exercise restraint and honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and called for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also underlined the importance of safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

Kolokoltsev noted that Pakistan and Russia enjoy strong bilateral relations that continue to improve with time.