ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Monday reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties in the areas of trade, commerce, investment, agriculture and energy for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

This was discussed at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Matvienko at Aiwan-i-Sadr, president secretariat stated in a press release.

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 meeting was attended by the Senate chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Aimal Wali Khan, Senator Manzoor Ahmad Kakar, Sen­a­tor Saleem H. Mandviwala, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and other senior officials.

MoU signed as Russian delegation meets President, PM, Senate chairman and NA speaker

While talking to the delegation, the president underscored the need to strengthen cultural linkages through people-to-people contacts and scholarship programmes. He also pointed out that both countries had enormous potential for increasing economic cooperation and called for Russian investment in Pakistan. He fondly recalled his recent pleasant interaction with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Ashgabat. He sought Russia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to become a member of BRICS.

Both sides underscored the importance of diversifying trade and economic cooperation, besides enhancing regional connectivity and commercial relations thro­ugh the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the North-South Transport Corridor.

Ms Valentina emphasised that her country accorded priority to its relationship with Pakistan and expressed confidence that her visit would further enhance bilateral cooperation. She hoped that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) betw­een the Parliaments of the two countries would further deepen bilateral relations.

The Russian speaker expr­essed satisfaction over the growth in bilateral trade and also conveyed the special greetings from President Putin.

Additionally, she congratulated Pakistan on the successful hosting of the SCO Heads of Government as well as Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC. The president expressed gratitude to Russia for its support of Pakistan’s candidacy.

MoU signed

Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvi­enko signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase parliamentary cooperation at a ceremony held at the parliament house.

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 with details about the MOU signing ceremony, sharing that the speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina highlighted Senate chairman’s contribution to strengthening relations.

“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,” Senate chairman said, adding that the agreement lays the foundation for enhanced parliamentary diplomacy.

The agreement promotes interaction between parliamentary friendship groups. “We are confident that this visit’s outcome will pave the way for a stronger, more meaningful inter-parliamentary and bilateral partnership between Pakistan and the Russian Federation in the years ahead,” Mr Gilani concluded.

Ms Valentina also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sha­rif and speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as well during her visit, Gilani mentioned.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2024