ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said on Wednesday that Moscow will support Pakistan’s application to join BRICS, the alliance of leading emerging market economies.
Overchuk, who is in Islamabad for a two-day visit, met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and other senior officials.
During the delegation-level meeting, he held talks with his counterpart Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar after which both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and trade.
Originally formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded to include South Africa in 2010. Last year, the BRICS accepted applications and formally invited Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Argentina to join the core group.
These 11 countries have a combined population of 3.7 billion, more than half of the world population.
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The bloc serves as an informal platform for its members to challenge the global dominance of the United States and its allies.
Countries like Pakistan view BRICS as an alternative to traditional international organizations, hoping that membership will yield benefits such as development financing and increased trade. Pakistan submitted its application to join BRICS last year.
“We are pleased that Pakistan has applied [to join BRICS],” Overchuk said during a joint press briefing with Dar. “BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are sister organizations, and we will support this endeavor.”
The two officials discussed a variety of cooperation areas, agreeing to enhance dialogue in sectors including trade, economy, energy, connectivity, culture, and education.
Once Cold War rivals, Pakistan and Russia have strengthened ties in recent years through regular trade interactions.
Islamabad aims to become a transit hub for landlocked Central Asian economies, expressing interest in developing trade connections with Russia.
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Dar noted that bilateral trade reached a historic $1 billion last year and expressed optimism for further growth.
He highlighted the upcoming Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum, scheduled for September 30 to October 1 in Moscow, as a vital opportunity for mutual cooperation.
Preparations are also underway for the ninth session of the Pakistan-Russia Commission on Trade, Economy, Science, Technology, and Culture, set to take place in Russia later this year.
Overchuk also emphasized Russia’s interest in expanding regional ties with Pakistan, especially with an important Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting scheduled to occur in Islamabad next month, which Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is expected to attend.
