Russian Deputy FM Ryabkov stresses importance of ties with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Thursday emphasized the importance Russia attaches to its relations with Pakistan and various bilateral and multilateral processes that enable the two countries to foster closer collaboration.

Addressing a roundtable, hosted by Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), the Russian dignity shared his country’s perspective on international security and strategic stability at global and regional levels, non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament and major security hotspots around the globe.

He is visiting Pakistan at the head of a high-level delegation for the 15th round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability.

The session at the ISSI aimed at exchanging views on a range of subjects, including arms control, regional stability and multilateral cooperation. Other members of the Russian delegation included Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev and senior foreign ministry officials.

Participants from the ISSI included former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Sohail Mahmood who is DG ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG and members of the ACDC and CSP teams.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations, marked by cordiality and enhanced mutual understanding; the common desire for deeper bilateral collaboration in myriad of domains and a shared interest in regional stability as well as an equitable multipolar global order.

He highlighted the important contribution being made by bilateral mechanisms such as the Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability. He also underscored the growing Pakistan-Russia convergence as well as their common endeavours in multilateral fora on subjects of common interest. Amid global flux and geopolitical shifts, he emphasised the importance of enhanced consultations and cooperation among countries sharing similar views and outlooks.

It was emphasised that Pakistan and Russia share converging interests in fostering a multi-polar global order rooted in sovereign equality and mutual respect. Both sides acknowledged the importance of sustained dialogue, institutional linkages and deepened cooperation across economic, security, academic and think-tank domains to address common challenges.

It was underscored that Pakistan and Russia must continue to deepen strategic communication and enhance collaboration in all areas of common interest.