Pakistan, Russia must turn goodwill into trade gains: President Zardari

October 14, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan, Russia should deepen cooperation in trade, energy, industrial development, regional connectivity and counterterrorism, and the goodwill between the two countries’ leaderships needs to deliver real benefits for their people.

President Asif Ali Zardari, made the remarks during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who called on him.

Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev accompanied the Minister, while Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi also attended, said  a press release issued.

Welcoming the Russian guest, President Zardari said bilateral relations keep strengthening regardless of geopolitical considerations and Pakistan’s ties with third countries.

He called for making full use of the existing institutional mechanisms to move cooperation forward across sectors.

He noted that bilateral trade, which stood at $243.412mn in FY2025, remains well short of its potential.

The President described Russia as an important energy partner and said Pakistan wants to expand cooperation in oil and gas.

On connectivity, he said Pakistan’s location makes it a natural link between South, Central and West Asia.

He expressed interest in strengthening connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and through rail and road links via Central Asia. He also stressed the need to restart direct flights early and improve cargo connectivity between the two countries.

On people-to-people and educational ties, the President welcomed the manifold rise in visas Pakistan has issued to Russian nationals and asked for similar facilitation for Pakistani businessmen, tourists and students.

He expressed satisfaction at the growing number of Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Russia and underlined the need to resolve their visa, residency and immigration problems.

Turning to regional security, President Zardari voiced deep concern over rising tensions in the Gulf, particularly attacks on shipping, energy installations and critical infrastructure.

He said the conflict poses serious risks to regional stability, global energy security, trade and supply chains.

He called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, urged the parties to show restraint and honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and pressed for settling differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also stressed the importance of safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

For his part, Minister Kolokoltsev said Pakistan and Russia share strong ties that continue to improve with time.

He thanked Pakistan for its support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations. He agreed that trade does not match the strength of the political relationship and saw considerable room to expand it.

The Russian Minister also invited President Zardari to visit Russia.

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