DND News: Governor of Russia’s Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko held a working meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, to discuss bilateral relations, cultural ties and opportunities for developing mutually beneficial cooperation.
During the meeting, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi shared his longstanding personal connection with Russia, explaining that he had been familiar with the country since childhood because of his father, who served in the state service and had spent some time in the former Soviet Union during his youth.
He recalled that his earliest impressions of life were associated with Leningrad, highlighting the historical and personal significance of the region for him.
The Ambassador also highly appreciated the cultural ties between Pakistan and Russia, as well as their shared history, emphasising the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts and expanding mutual understanding.
Given Ambassador Tirmizi’s interest in ecological tourism, Governor Alexander Drozdenko offered to personally guide him on a visit to the Leningrad Region, which is known for its natural landscapes and tourism attractions.
“I am pleased that our meeting will mark the beginning of a meaningful dialogue and lead to successful joint projects,” Governor Alexander Drozdenko said.
The Leningrad Region is among Russia’s leading economic centres, offering considerable opportunities for international trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
In 2025, fixed capital investment in the region reached 1.6 trillion roubles, equivalent to 61 per cent of its gross regional product (GRP). Its ports handle approximately 25 per cent of Russia’s total export-import cargo turnover, maintaining trade links with 106 countries.
The region also has a strong agro-industrial sector, accounting for 41 per cent of food production in Russia’s Northwestern Federal District.
It ranks first in Russia in the production of eggs, lettuce and leafy greens, tea and coffee packaging, as well as milk yields per cow, reflecting its significant contribution to the country’s agricultural and food industries.
Besides its economic strength, the Leningrad Region is an important cultural and tourism destination. It welcomed more than 10 million tourists in 2025 and hosts over 700 cultural events annually.
The meeting between Governor Alexander Drozdenko and Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi reflects the potential for expanding Pakistan-Russia regional cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic engagement, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and cultural exchanges.
