Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has called for deeper economic, educational and people-to-people engagement between Pakistan and Russia, stressing that expanding political contacts should be converted into practical cooperation.
He was speaking at a Special Talk on “Pakistan–Russia Relations” organised at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). The discussion centred on measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation and remove hurdles affecting businesses, students and travel between the two countries.
Ambassador Tirmizi said trade and connectivity required focused attention, particularly visa facilitation, direct flights, and arrangements to deal with banking and payment-related constraints. He also referred to preparations for a bilateral business forum, including advance meetings between companies, and discussed transport links through Iran, Afghanistan and China.
On education and academic cooperation, the ambassador underlined the need for stronger partnerships between universities, increased student mobility, and collaboration in science, engineering and agriculture. He also highlighted the importance of Russian language teaching, cultural exchanges, and closer interaction between the media and creative sectors of Pakistan and Russia.
Referring to regional security, Ambassador Tirmizi pointed to prospects for cooperation in counterterrorism and law enforcement following the recent visit of the Russian Interior Minister to Pakistan.
Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan, reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He voiced concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and the effect of border closures on regional trade.
Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General ISSI, spoke about the institute’s cooperation with Russian think tanks and its efforts to enhance joint research and academic exchanges.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors ISSI, noted the growing convergence between Pakistan and Russia, including in the area of counterterrorism.
The event was organised by ISSI’s Centre for Strategic Perspectives and was attended by diplomats, scholars and researchers, who took part in an interactive discussion.
