ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the Federal Council of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko, stated that the Russian parliamentary delegation’s visit to Islamabad would enhance the development cooperation between Russia and Pakistan.
Speaking to the Senate of Pakistan at the invitation of Chairman Syed Yosuf Raza Gillani, she highlighted the long-standing cordial relations between the two nations, saying that dialogue has persisted even during challenging times. Matvienko expressed satisfaction with the growing alignment of their perspectives on many international issues.
She emphasized both countries’ shared interests in achieving a peaceful resolution in Afghanistan and ensuring security in Central Asia. Matvienko expressed confidence that they would maintain mutual understanding on global security matters, including the prevention of weapons in outer space, the prohibition of biological and chemical weapons, and opposition to illegal sanctions and the politicization of humanitarian efforts, including in sports.
Matvienko acknowledged Pakistan’s election to the UN Security Council for the term 2025-2026, recognizing its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. She expressed hope that Pakistan would contribute significantly to global security and peace during its tenure.
She also noted Pakistan’s balanced position and rich experience, which could offer new perspectives on local issues, particularly given its active participation in UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. Additionally, she praised Pakistan’s deepening ties with BRICS, a platform promoting equality and mutual respect among its members.
The Speaker advocated for stronger collaboration between their parliaments, emphasizing the importance of multilateral interaction and specialized committees. She expressed optimism for joint efforts to improve the legal framework for cooperation.
Matvienko called for the progressive development of trade and economic relations, referencing the historical support from the Soviet Union in developing Pakistan’s oil and gas industries, energy facilities, and agricultural machinery. She highlighted that Russian-Pakistani trade had surged by over 50 percent last year, surpassing one billion dollars for the first time, and continued to grow by 13 percent in early 2024.
She pointed out promising areas for economic cooperation, particularly in energy and agriculture. Matvienko noted the arrival of Russian crude oil in Karachi last year, which now constitutes a significant portion of Russian exports to Pakistan, as well as increased grain supplies contributing to Pakistan’s food security.
Discussing transport initiatives, she highlighted the importance of developing international corridors, such as the North-South International Transport Corridor, which enhances connectivity between Northern Eurasia and the Global South. She welcomed Pakistan’s interest in this project.
Matvienko also noted the revival of cultural and sports cooperation between the two nations, reflecting on the historical ties established by Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, who was a friend of Russia. She quoted Faiz, stating that both countries have much to learn from each other, enriching their cultures and expanding their friendship.
She praised the advancements in scientific and educational cooperation, including progress in higher education and diploma recognition. Matvienko noted that youth engagement is growing, with Pakistani representatives participating in the World Youth Festival in Sochi.
Moreover, she observed an increasing interest among Russians in visiting Pakistan and suggested that Pakistan’s recent decision to waive visa fees could enhance tourism and strengthen bilateral relations.
Matvienko concluded by emphasizing the importance of interfaith and interethnic dialogue, highlighting the role of parliaments in fostering communication with religious leaders. She mentioned that the Russian legislature is dedicated to preserving traditional values and family structures, declaring this year as the “Year of the Family” in Russia.
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed hopes for Russian support for Pakistan’s Brics membership bid as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The president received a Russian parliamentary delegation on Monday led by Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Matvienko, according to a press release from the presidency.
The president sought Russia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to become a member of Brics, adding that it would greatly help the country enhance its role in regional and global cooperation.
According to the press release, both sides underscored the importance of diversifying trade and economic cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity and commercial relations through the Belt and Road Initiative and the North-South Transport Corridor.
The Russian speaker emphasised that her country “accorded priority to its relationship with Pakistan” and expressed confidence that her visit would further enhance bilateral cooperation.
The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties in trade, commerce, investment, agriculture and energy for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
“Welcoming the Russian delegation, the president highlighted the historical relationship between Pakistan and Russia which were marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields,” the press release read.
It added that the meeting was attended by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Aimal Wali Khan and other senior officials.
While talking to the delegation, the president “underscored the need to strengthen cultural linkages through people-to-people contacts and scholarship programs”, according to the press release.
Zardari also highlighted the potential for increasing economic cooperation and called for Russian investment in Pakistan. He also “fondly recalled his recent pleasant interaction with President Vladimir Putin” during his visit to Ashgabat, the press release said.
Matvienko hoped that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both nations’ parliaments would further deepen bilateral relations, the press release said.
She expressed satisfaction over the growth in bilateral trade and congratulated Pakistan on successfully hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government Summit.
President Zardari expressed gratitude to Russia for its support of Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Once Cold War adversaries, Pakistan and Russia have recently strengthened their relationship through ongoing trade and business engagements. With Islamabad aiming to become a key transit route for Central Asia’s landlocked nations, it has shown interest in forging trade links with Russia via Central Asian countries.
In particular, relations between Islamabad and Moscow progressed in 2023 when Pakistan began importing discounted Russian crude oil. This move followed a steep rise in fuel prices within Pakistan, driven by geopolitical conflicts, which compelled the country to turn to more affordable fuel sources.
In September, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk made a brief visit to Islamabad, focusing on expanding trade and investment opportunities with Pakistan.
MoU signed to ‘enhance parliamentary diplomacy’
Earlier, an MoU was signed to increase parliamentary cooperation at a ceremony held at the parliament house.
Gilani and Matvienko signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries.
The Senate of Pakistan shared a video of the occasion showing the agreement signing ceremony between the two respective dignitaries.
The Russian Embassy in Pakistan also shared a post on X detailing the MoU signing ceremony, stating that Matvienko highlighted Gilani’s significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation within the SCO.
“This visit marks a watershed in the long and historic journey of cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, reinforcing our shared commitment to regional peace, prosperity and mutual respect,” Gilani said while speaking on the occasion.
He also said that the agreement laid the foundation for enhanced parliamentary diplomacy and emphasised the exchange of parliamentary delegations to further cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement promotes interaction between parliamentary friendship groups and highlights a professional development programme focusing on capacity building and enhancing institutional development for effective parliamentary engagement for both nations, Gilani added.
“We are confident that this visit’s outcome will pave the way the way for a stronger, more meaningful interparliamentary and bilateral partnership between Pak and the Russian Federation in the years ahead,” Gilani concluded.
Valentina also met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif and speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as well during her visit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that there is a wide potential of cooperation between Russia and Pakistan in various fields.
Talking to Speaker Of Federation Council Of Russian Federal Assembly Valentina Matvienko, who called on him in Islamabad, the Prime Minister noted that the recent visits by the Russian leadership are a positive sign for the strengthening of relations between Pakistan and Russia.
The Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit Pakistan soon.
He expressed the confidence that Pakistan-Russia Joint Commission Meeting to be held in December will prove to be an important opportunity to expand cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides discussed strengthening of banking channels for the promotion of trade and investment as well as the creation of a comprehensive road map for economy, trade and investment between Pakistan and Russia.
Talking to Speaker Of The Federation Council Of The Russian Federal Assembly Valentina Matvienko, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif says the visit of the delegation is an important step towards strengthening the Parliamentary relations between the two countries.
