Islamabad(TDI): The Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, met with Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, to discuss strengthening cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
During the discussion, Minister Khichi appreciated the long-standing cultural ties between the two nations. He highlighted the importance of strengthening connections through music, film, art, and heritage initiatives.
The Minister said that Russian artists, musicians, and dancers have been invited to Pakistan to showcase their traditions.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s premier cultural institutions, including Lok Virsa and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), serve as strong platforms to host Russian cultural activities.
The minister emphasized that once a pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is finalized following an upcoming visit by the Prime Minister, both countries will be positioned to organize joint exhibitions and painting showcases.
✨️ On April 29, Ambassador Albert P. Khorev met with Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. The two sides held an in-depth discussion on current issues related to the development of Russia-Pakistan cultural cooperation.
🇷🇺🇵🇰 Ambassador Khorev… pic.twitter.com/POUqIf36KS
— Embassy of Russia in Pakistan (@RusEmbPakistan) April 30, 2026
Ambassador Khorev expressed a strong interest in expanding collaboration within the creative industries. He highlighted that several Russian films have already been produced and dubbed into Urdu.
He proposed organizing special screening sessions in Pakistan, followed by interactive sessions with Russian film directors to foster deeper artistic exchange.
The Ambassador suggested the organization of a “Russian Week” in Pakistan, featuring documentaries and films that reflect the shared heritage of both nations.
He emphasized the necessity of signing formal MoUs to institutionalize this cooperation. Additionally, he expressed a firm interest in conducting artistic activities at the PNCA to enhance engagement among students and cultural representatives.
During the meeting, Ambassador Khorev extended an invitation to Minister Khichi to attend Russia’s National Day celebrations in Islamabad.
He shared that the Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design will present Russian costumes as part of the cultural showcase during the event.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
