Russia-Pakistan ties strengthening rapidly: Fedorov
Zubair Yaqoob
The Consul General of the Russian Federation in Karachi, Andrey V. Fedorov, highlighted the rapid development of Pakistan-Russia relations, stating that diplomatic and trade cooperation has significantly grown. During media interaction and later at the “People’s Unity Day” celebration at the Russian Consulate, Fedorov noted that high-level engagements between the two countries have played a pivotal role in bolstering ties. He emphasized the importance of November 4, observed annually as People’s Unity Day, commemorating Russia’s resilience and historic liberation in 1612 from Polish occupation, an event led by figures like Kuzma Minin and Duke Dmitry Pozharsky. Responding to questions about Pakistan-Russia ties and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Fedorov shared that trade between the two nations now exceeds US 2 billion.
He described SCO as a key force for regional stability, noting that its member states, including Pakistan and Russia, are united in efforts for peace and a secure future. Reflecting on Russia’s historical struggles, he shared how the country overcame the “Time of Troubles” in the early 17th century—a period marked by internal conflicts, foreign intervention, and political disorder. This struggle, he said, ended with the formation of a volunteer militia and the establishment of the Romanov dynasty, which fostered Russia’s stability for over 300 years. Fedorov further discussed the remarkable growth in Pakistan-Russia relations, with diplomatic activities intensifying since the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year. He highlighted a series of recent high-profile meetings, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s discussions with Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the SCO Summit in July, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk’s visit to Islamabad, and the Russia-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum held in Moscow.
Additionally, he cited the SCO Heads of Government Meeting in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Sharif and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin addressed pressing bilateral issues, and a visit to Pakistan by Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of Russia’s Senate. Fedorov expressed optimism that these engagements would lead to tangible outcomes, enhancing cooperation and unlocking the potential of Pakistan-Russia relations. Dignitaries attended the People’s Unity Day celebration included Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senator Sarmad Ali, Agha Siraj Durrani, Chairman-Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Faisal Zahid Malik, Dr Farooq Sattar, Jam Madad Ali and other prominent officials, diplomats, and business representatives. The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony, a captivating traditional Russian dance performance, and a photo exhibition celebrating Russian culture.
