Russian envoy satisfied with positive trajectory of ties with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev has expressed the hope that cooperative ties between Pakistan and Russia would grow further in mutually-beneficial collaboration, particularly in the economic, trade, energy, security and people-to-people domains.

The Russian envoy and others were speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). This was Russian ambassador’s maiden visit to the prestigious entity dealing with international issues.

The institute welcomed Khorev, who has recently assumed his diplomatic assignment in Islamabad. Russian ambassador had exchange of views with the fellow guests. Director-General of ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood chaired the meeting, which was attended by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) ISSI Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) and Taimur Khan, Research Associate at CSP-ISSI.

Extending a warm welcome to Ambassador Khorev, Sohail Mahmood hoped that Pakistan-Russia relations would continue to grow during his tenure. He highlighted the Institute’s history as well as scope of work and the ISSI’s activities reinforcing closer Pakistan-Russia relations.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations, cooperation on regional issues and collaboration in multilateral fora in the course of discussion. Noting multiple complementarities, the two sides acknowledged the importance of exploring new avenues for mutually-beneficial cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, energy, security and people-to-people realms.

The reinforcement of ties through close collaboration in forums such as Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was highlighted. Russia’s chairmanship of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) Group this year and Pakistan’s interest in BRICS membership were also discussed. Russia is reportedly supportive of Pakistan’s desire to join it.

It was also agreed to pursue activities that would help promote closer interface between scholars, area specialists and academics as well as think-tanks on both sides to foster deeper mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Pakistan and Russia. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood presented the Institute’s memento to Ambassador Khorev on his first visit to the ISSI.