Islamabad, September 19, 2024-Pakistan and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade and economic ties while enhancing regional connectivity during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. The meeting, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, also emphasized fostering cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, food security, business, education, railways, and science and technology, as well as promoting stronger people-to-people connections.
Welcoming the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, President Zardari stressed the importance of exploring possibilities for barter trade and improving connectivity to further boost economic relations between the two nations. He called for easing visa regulations and increasing transportation links, including through railways and direct flights, to facilitate greater business-to-business and people-to-people interactions.
Both sides highlighted the significant potential for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector, with joint ventures being seen as a mutually beneficial opportunity. It was also announced that a 75-member Pakistani business delegation would visit Russia in October to explore avenues for business and economic collaboration.
Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk expressed Russia’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as food security, science and technology, education, connectivity, and railways. He mentioned that the upcoming visit of the Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan in October would further strengthen bilateral relations. Overchuk also noted Russia’s respect for all religions and Muslim culture, condemning recent desecrations of the Holy Quran.
The meeting was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Minister of Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Senator Sherry Rehman, and other senior government officials.
