President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Russia for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
He was speaking at a reception held in Islamabad today to mark Russia’s National Day.
The President said it was a great pleasure to join the celebrations and extended his warmest congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia on behalf of himself and the government and people of Pakistan.
He said Russia’s National Day is a proud reflection of the country’s national independence, rich heritage and the spirit of its people.
Recalling his visit to Russia in 2011, Asif Ali Zardari acknowledged President Vladimir Putin’s role in bringing the two countries closer and fostering a relationship based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.
Asif Ali Zardari noted that the foundations of this relationship were laid by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a key role in developing Pakistan’s ties with the former Soviet Union.
The President said this legacy was carried forward by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and later by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as Foreign Minister.
Highlighting the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, the President said that regular interactions between ministers and senior officials reflected growing momentum in Pakistan-Russia ties.
Referring to remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this year, he noted that the current period represented the most positive phase in Pakistan-Russia relations in many decades.
The President said Pakistan values Russia as a global power and a trusted partner. He said both countries share a commitment to equality, dialogue and a stronger voice for developing nations, principles that continue to guide their cooperation in multilateral forums.
He said cooperation between Pakistan and Russia is expanding in the fields of energy, industry, agriculture and education. He noted that nearly 1,300 Pakistani students were currently studying in Russia, many on Russian scholarships, serving as a bridge between the two societies.
The President said Pakistan looks forward to continued high-level engagements to enhance economic cooperation and realize the full potential of Pakistan-Russia relations.
