Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has called for stronger economic, educational and people-to-people ties with Russia, urging both sides to translate growing political engagement into practical cooperation.
Speaking at a Special Talk on “Pakistan–Russia Relations” at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Ambassador Tirmizi said cooperation should support trade, student mobility and regional connectivity.
He identified visa facilitation, direct flights, and arrangements to address banking and payment constraints as priority areas for improving trade and connectivity between Pakistan and Russia.
The ambassador also outlined preparations for a bilateral business forum, including advance meetings between companies. He discussed transport links through Iran, Afghanistan and China as part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity.
On education and academic cooperation, Ambassador Tirmizi called for stronger university partnerships, greater student mobility and collaboration in science, engineering and agriculture. He also highlighted Russian language teaching, cultural exchanges, and closer engagement between the media and creative sectors of the two countries.
Discussing regional security, he pointed to opportunities for counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation following the recent visit of the Russian Interior Minister to Pakistan.
Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan, reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to help ease Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. He expressed concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and the impact of border closures on regional trade.
Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General ISSI, highlighted the institute’s cooperation with Russian think tanks and its efforts to expand 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 on counterterrorism.
The event was organised by ISSI’s Centre for Strategic Perspectives and was attended by diplomats, scholars and researchers for an interactive discussion.
