Pakistan, Russia pledge deeper cooperation in trade, energy

July 22, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Russia have reiterated their resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, connectivity and other areas, while also strengthening coordination at multilateral forums.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila on Wednesday, ahead of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of continued high-level engagement to further advance ties between the two countries, according to the press release.

The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and international developments and agreed to maintain close contact.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Dar arrived in Manila along with his delegation to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.

Upon his arrival, he was received at the airport by Elmer G. Cato, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Intelligence and Security Services (OISS) at the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Pakistan's Ambassador to the Philippines Asima Rabbani, and officials of the Embassy of Pakistan.

The ministerial meeting will bring together foreign ministers and delegates from the 27 ARF member states, including the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

During the meeting, Dar will participate in discussions on political and security issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on promoting peace, stability and mutual cooperation through sustained dialogue and diplomacy.

He will also hold bilateral meetings with his Philippine counterpart and several other participating dignitaries on the sidelines of the forum.

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