Dear friends,
Today, Russia celebrates The Day of People’s Unity. This holiday was established only in 2005, but its historical roots originate from more than 400 years ago. During the end of the XVI century and the beginning of the XVII century, Russia went through The Time of Troubles. Such name was attributed due to the unbelievable amount of hardships that were endured by the Russian nation.
In particular, political instability, anarchy, external intervention from Poland, many impostor rulers, terrible famine etc. Without any exaggeration, Russia was on the verge of collapse and extinction as an independent state. Our country was in danger of being deprived of its historical perspectives, culture and spiritual uniqueness.
However, the Russian people took their destiny in their own hands, united against unrest, prevailed over internal strife and defended the nation’s sovereignty. Our people fought turmoil and political chaos with unity and the highest understanding of civic and patriotic duty. In the year of 1612, KuzmaMinin, an ordinary shopkeeper, and the Duke Dmitry Pozharsky, a rich nobleman, joined forces and formed the people’s volunteer corps. It was an unprecedented occasion that two people of such different backgrounds cooperated with each other and created the militia, which went on to free Moscow from the interventionist forces. And I would like to emphasize that it was the last time that Russia had been occupied by any other foreign state and I am sure that it will stay that way in the future!
After the banishment of the foreign intruders, our people had to decide what path they should take. As we know from history, this is usually the time when civil wars flame up and the brutal power struggle begins. However, our people demonstrated unmatched wisdom and abstained from unnecessary conflicts. Instead, they formed a Council of all social classes and from all Russian regions called ZemskiySobor. This Council democratically elected a new czar, Mikhail Romanov, who established a new dynasty that ruled Russia for more than 300 years. As a result, a strong and effective government was founded in the country that soon turned out to be a great empire.
I can say without any doubt that Pakistan shares the same spirit of unity as Russia. Both Russia and Pakistan are diverse, multiethnic and multilingual societies. The harmony and unity between many peoples within the borders of our countries are found in such things as faith, traditional values and the sense of patriotism and loyalty to the Motherland. In addition, our people are also joined in their non-acceptance of terrorism, extremism and injustice in world politics. Which is why I am eager to share the greetings with my Pakistani friends!
This spirit has also contributed to the rapid development of our bilateral partnership. In recent months, we have maintained the progress achieved earlier this year. In particular, Russia has expanded its crude oil supplies to Pakistan, while Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan AnwaarUlHaqKakar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of One Belt One Road Summit in China on October 17. Once again, I would like to underscore that this year marks a 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our countries. So far, the achievements have been remarkable andwe will continue this productive work to the end of 2023 and beyond!
I forward my greetings on the occasion of the The Day of People’s Unity!
