Pakistan's Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow on counterterrorism and law enforcement following the Russian interior minister's recent visit to Pakistan. He noted that the two countries could expand their bilateral all-round cooperation manifold.
The senior diplomat was speaking at a special talk on "Pakistan-Russia Relations" at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Monday. Ambassador Tirmizi is currently in Pakistan and will return to Moscow later this week to resume his diplomatic duties.
He emphasised the need to translate growing political engagement into practical cooperation that supports trade, student mobility, and regional connectivity. The envoy spoke at length on regional security and called for stronger economic, educational, and people-to-people ties with Russia.
Discussing trade and connectivity, Ambassador Tirmizi prioritised visa facilitation, direct flights, and arrangements to address banking and payment constraints. He outlined preparations for a bilateral business forum, including advance meetings between companies, and discussed transport links through Iran, Afghanistan, and China.
He called for stronger university partnerships, greater student mobility, and cooperation in science, engineering, and agriculture. He also highlighted the importance of Russian language teaching, cultural exchanges, and closer engagement between the two countries' media and creative sectors.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev, who was also present at the event, reaffirmed Russia's readiness to help ease Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions.
He expressed concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and the impact of border closures on regional trade. The Russian envoy noted that Moscow views stability in the region as a priority and is willing to facilitate dialogue to ensure long-term peace.
He stressed that economic prosperity is tied to secure borders and regional cooperation. Ambassador Tirmizi concluded by stating that the current momentum in bilateral relations is a positive sign for the future.
He expressed optimism that the upcoming business forum and high-level exchanges would yield tangible results for both nations. The session at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) served as a platform to bridge the gap between policy experts and diplomatic representatives, fostering a better understanding of the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Both sides agreed that continued engagement is essential to navigate the complex security challenges in the region while simultaneously unlocking the vast economic potential that exists between Pakistan and Russia.