Islamabad/Moscow, 1 May 2023 (TDI): Pakistan and Russia are currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties. As a commemoration of this significant event, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, have exchanged congratulatory letters.
Historical Background
On May 1, 1948, Pakistan and Russia (formerly known as the Soviet Union) officially established diplomatic relations. Over time, the two nations have fostered a strong and amicable relationship characterized by mutual respect, trust, and agreement on many international and regional issues.
Pakistan has expressed its desire to form a lasting strategic partnership with Russia, encompassing various areas such as trade, energy, culture, defense, security, and people-to-people contacts.
Bilateral collaboration between Pakistan and Russia goes back to the Soviet era. Significant infrastructure projects, including Karachi Steel Mills, major thermal power facilities in Muzaffargarh, Multan-II, and Guddu, as well as the Oil and Gas Development Corporation Ltd. (OGDCL), were constructed with assistance from the Soviet Union.
Also Read: Pakistan and Russia celebrate 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties
In addition, the Soviet Union played a key role in the development of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Both nations share an interest in fostering lasting peace and stability in their mutual neighborhood, and have a shared vision for regional growth and prosperity.
Positive Trajectory in Pak-Russia Relations
In recent years, Pakistan and Russia have maintained a positive trajectory in their bilateral relations through consistent high-level interactions and strong institutional mechanisms.
Pakistan’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has revitalized the ties between the two nations. Pakistan is grateful for the support provided by Russia during the membership process.
Several high-level meetings have taken place between Pakistani and Russian officials. Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev on the sidelines of the China International Import Expo on 5 November 2018.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov twice in 2018, once in New York during the UN General Assembly in September and again in Moscow on 26 December.
The year 2017 was a significant one for both countries as it witnessed several high-level meetings. These included meetings between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of the Russian Federation in Astana on 9 June 2017 and between the Prime Ministers of both countries in Sochi on 30 November 2017, both held during SCO meetings.
In 2017, there were eight ministerial-level visits from Pakistan, including Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Water & Power, Science and Technology, Industries and Production, Defence Production, Commerce and Textile, and National Health Services.
){kind=link}