Book on Pakistan-Russia relations launched
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP), hosted the launching ceremony for its newly-published and edited book ‘Pakistan-Russia Relations: A Comprehensive Historical and Strategic Analysis.’
The event saw in attendance senior diplomats, academics, policymakers and contributors from both countries, reflecting the rising importance of Pakistan–Russia engagement in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Senator MushahidHussain Syed was Chief Guest on the occasion, while Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev joined as Guest of Honour.
Ambassador Albert P Khorev commended ISSI for bringing out a timely and comprehensive volume at a moment when Russia-Pakistan bilateral ties are steadily strengthening.
He described the book as a “landmark achievement.” The Russian envoy stated that despite global challenges and ‘illegal Western sanctions,’ cooperation between Pakistan and Russia has expanded in energy, trade, counterterrorism, security coordination, humanitarian exchanges and parliamentary diplomacy.
The Russian ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s ‘balanced and friendly neutrality’ on major global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, despite pressure from external powers.
Ambassador Khorev outlined concrete areas of progress: a notable rise in bilateral trade; ongoing discussions on major economic projects such as the reconstruction of Pakistan Steel Mills; and the tripling of Russian government scholarships for Pakistani students. He also highlighted the growth of Russian language centres in Pakistan and the deepening of academic and cultural linkages.
He emphasized that Russia views Pakistan as a pivotal regional actor at the crossroads of South, Central and West Asia—central to connectivity initiatives, trade corridors and energy projects aligned with President Putin’s ‘Greater Eurasian Partnership’ vision. Ambassador Khorev reiterated Russia’s readiness to support regional stability and welcomed the book for presenting a balanced, fact-based assessment of bilateral relations.
Chief Guest Senator MushahidHussain Syed acknowledged Russia’s principled position at the UN Security Council on Palestine, noting that it reflects Moscow’s broader commitment to a fairer and more equitable global order. Offering a historical perspective on Pakistan-Russia relations, he challenged common misconceptions by recalling early Soviet goodwill toward Pakistan, including the 1949 invitation to Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, support for Kashmir’s self-determination in 1952, and the Soviet offer to build a steel mill in the 1950s.
DG ISSI Ambassador SohailMahmood, in his introductory remarks, highlighted that Pakistan–Russia relations have undergone a significant evolution over the past 75 years transitioning from Cold War divergence to growing convergence across diplomatic, economic and strategic domains.
