Report: Hurish Shah FT :
ISLAMABAD– Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has called for stronger economic, educational and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Russia, stressing the need to translate growing political engagement into practical cooperation in trade, student mobility and regional connectivity.
Speaking at a special talk on “Pakistan–Russia Relations” at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted visa facilitation, direct flights, banking and payment arrangements, and preparations for a bilateral business forum to boost trade.
He also called for stronger university partnerships, student exchanges and cooperation in science, engineering, agriculture, culture and media.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He expressed concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and the impact of border closures on regional trade.
ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque highlighted cooperation with Russian think tanks and efforts to expand joint research and academic exchanges. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, noted growing convergence between Pakistan and Russia, including on counterterrorism.
The event was organised by ISSI’s Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) and brought together diplomats, scholars and researchers for an interactive discussion.
