On November 12 in Islamabad, on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, senior Russian parliamentarians met Pakistan’s Senate chairman to discuss ways to deepen cooperation. The Russian delegation included Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Babakov, who held talks with Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani.
The discussions underscored the role of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing traditional state channels and in helping to resolve international conflicts. The visitors expressed appreciation to Pakistani leaders and to Mr. Gillani personally for the warm welcome and signalled readiness for further collaboration, reflecting a practical approach to strengthening Russia Pakistan ties at the parliamentary level.
The Russian delegation strongly condemned the November 11 terrorist attack at the judicial complex in Islamabad and emphasised the shared need to combat terrorism in all its forms. Security concerns and counterterrorism cooperation were therefore key elements of the dialogue, with both sides affirming that parliamentary engagement can support broader efforts against violent extremism.
Mr. Gillani recalled his visit to Russia in May and his talks with Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, noting that personal contacts have helped build momentum for institutional links. Mr. Kosachev also met ISC Secretary General Ek Nath Dhakal to explore prospects for expanding interparliamentary cooperation within the ISC framework and related formats, signalling sustained attention to deepening Russia Pakistan ties through sustained parliamentary channels.
