ISLAMABAD, October 13, 2026 (DND) — President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Russia 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 peoples.
The President made these remarks during a meeting with Russian Interior Minister General of Police Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.
Welcoming the Russian Interior Minister to Pakistan, President Zardari said bilateral relations between the two countries continued to grow independently of geopolitical considerations and their respective relations with third countries. He stressed the importance of fully utilising existing institutional mechanisms to advance cooperation across various sectors.
The President noted that bilateral trade stood at US$243.412 million in the financial year 2025, describing the volume as below its actual potential. He emphasised the need to expand commercial engagement and explore new opportunities to strengthen economic ties.
Describing Russia as an important energy partner, President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with Moscow in the oil and gas sectors. He also highlighted the potential for greater industrial collaboration and stronger economic engagement between the two countries.
On regional connectivity, the President said Pakistan’s geographical position made it a natural bridge connecting South, Central and West Asia. He expressed interest in strengthening transport links through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), alongside improved rail and road connectivity through Central Asia.
He also called for the early resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Russia and improvements in cargo connectivity to facilitate trade, business and people-to-people exchanges.
Discussing educational and people-to-people relations, President Zardari appreciated the substantial increase in visas issued by Pakistan to Russian nationals. He called for reciprocal visa facilitation for Pakistani businesspeople, tourists and students travelling to Russia.
The President also expressed satisfaction over the growing number of Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Russia. However, he underscored the need to address visa, residency and immigration-related difficulties faced by Pakistani students to facilitate their academic pursuits.
During the meeting, President Zardari also expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Gulf, particularly attacks on maritime traffic, energy installations and critical infrastructure.
He warned that the conflict posed serious challenges to regional stability, global energy security, international trade and supply chains. Emphasising respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, he urged the parties concerned to exercise restraint, honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
The President further stressed the importance of ensuring safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, highlighting the significance of these waterways for international trade and energy supplies.
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said Pakistan and Russia enjoyed strong bilateral relations that continued to improve over time. He thanked Pakistan for its support at various multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations.
Kolokoltsev also observed that bilateral trade did not correspond to the strength of relations between the two countries, noting that considerable potential remained to expand commercial exchanges.
During the meeting, the Russian Interior Minister extended an invitation to President Zardari to visit Russia, reflecting the two sides’ interest in further strengthening bilateral engagement.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev accompanied the visiting minister, while Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Minister for Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi was also present at the meeting.
The discussions underscored the shared interest of Islamabad and Moscow in expanding economic cooperation, improving regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral engagement across multiple sectors.
