Pakistan and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations during a high-level meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, SAPM on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow. Discussions included expanding cooperation in trade, industry, energy, connectivity, and agriculture, as well as joint projects such as the new Steel Mills in Karachi, viewed as a symbol of growing partnership between the two countries.
At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Fatemi conveyed warm greetings and good wishes from Pakistan’s leadership to Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk and the Russian government. Highlighting the goodwill shared at the leadership level, Ambassador Fatemi expressed confidence that such positive engagement would maintain and boost momentum in bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Ambassador Fatemi emphasized the high priority Pakistan places on its partnership with the Russian Federation, characterizing this relationship as a major pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He further underscored Pakistan’s view of Russia as a stabilizing element in global and regional politics, expressing optimism for deeper bilateral collaboration.
Providing further details on industrial cooperation, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan discussed the significance Pakistan attached to ongoing talks over establishing the new Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi. Describing the project as an integral legacy of Pakistan-Russia ties, he noted that it represented a crucial opportunity for expanded economic and industrial cooperation. SAPM Khan also provided an overview of Pakistan’s investor-friendly industrial policies and outlined the government’s success in maintaining macroeconomic stability.
On his side, Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk recalled his previous visits and fruitful interactions with Pakistani leadership, particularly highlighting his earlier meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Referring to Pakistan and Russia as “natural allies,” Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk conveyed President Putin’s special interest in Pakistan, emphasizing its increasing importance as a key partner in promoting regional economic and energy development.
Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk particularly highlighted significant connectivity initiatives, including railway links connecting Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Russia, and the scheduled launching of a pilot cargo train service between Pakistan and Russia in August 2025. Both sides also discussed several regional and international issues of common interest, including recent developments in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and cooperation at various international forums.
Expressing appreciation for the Pakistani delegation’s visit, Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk reiterated President Putin’s firm support towards deepening Russia’s ties with Pakistan on multiple platforms. He also relayed President Putin’s enthusiasm for his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, set to take place on the sidelines of the forthcoming SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, China, later in August.
