President for stronger Pakistan-Russia cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity & security

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called for stronger Pakistan-Russia cooperation in trade, energy, industrial development, regional connectivity and counterterrorism, stressing the need to translate the goodwill between the two countries' leaderships into tangible outcomes for their peoples. The president expressed these views while talking to Minister of the Interior of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a Presidency's news release said. Welcoming the Russian Interior Minister to Pakistan, the president said bilateral relations continue to grow independently of geopolitical considerations and relations with third countries. He emphasised the importance of making full use of existing institutional mechanisms to advance cooperation across various sectors. The president said bilateral trade, which stood at US$243.412 million in the financial year 2025, remains below its potential. The president described Russia as an important energy partner and expressed Pakistan's interest in expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sectors. Emphasising the importance of regional connectivity, President Zardari said Pakistan's geographical position makes it a natural bridge between South, Central and West Asia. He expressed interest in strengthening connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as well as rail and road links through Central Asia. He also stressed the need for the early resumption of direct flights and improved cargo connectivity between Pakistan and Russia. On people-to-people and educational ties, the President appreciated the manifold increase in visas issued by Pakistan to Russian nationals and called for reciprocal visa facilitation for Pakistani businessmen, tourists and students as well. He also expressed satisfaction over the growing number of Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Russia and highlighted the need to address their visa, residency and immigration-related difficulties. Discussing regional security, President Zardari expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Gulf, particularly attacks on maritime traffic, energy installations and critical infrastructure. He said the conflict posed serious challenges to regional stability, global energy security, trade and supply chains. He stressed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, urged the parties to exercise restraint and honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and called for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy. He also emphasised the importance of safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said that Pakistan and Russia enjoy strong bilateral relations that continue to improve with time. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support at various multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations. He observed that bilateral trade was not commensurate with the strength of bilateral relations and said there is considerable potential to expand trade between the two countries. The Russian Minister extended an invitation to President Asif Ali Zardari to visit Russia. Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, accompanied the Minister. Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, was also present during the meeting.