Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Russia’s relations with Pakistan as “genuinely mutually beneficial,” saying that Moscow maintains close cooperation with Islamabad.
According to the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan, President Putin made the remarks while receiving Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who formally presented his credentials during a ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
“We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , the largest regional organisation in terms of economic, technological and human potential. Russia-Pakistan relations are genuinely mutually beneficial,” the Russian embassy quoted President Putin as saying.
Growing Economic and Energy Cooperation
In recent years, Pakistan and Russia have significantly strengthened economic and energy ties, driven largely by shifting global dynamics. Following Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict, Moscow sought alternative energy markets, while Islamabad looked for cost-effective fuel sources to reduce its import bill.
This cooperation reached a milestone in 2023, when Pakistan formally began importing Russian crude oil, integrating it into its national energy mix.
Last month, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan and Russia were engaged in discussions regarding a potential new oil-sector agreement, aimed at further expanding bilateral energy cooperation.
Pakistan currently imports nearly 70 per cent of its crude oil, with Russian supplies playing an increasingly important role. Despite deepening energy ties with Moscow, Islamabad has continued to maintain stable relations with Western partners.
Broader Bilateral Engagement
The two countries have also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation beyond energy. In November last year, during the visit of Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev to Islamabad for the 10th Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission, both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in diversified trade, business-to-business engagement and social sectors, including health and education.
Officials from both countries have repeatedly emphasised that Pakistan-Russia relations are entering a more pragmatic and partnership-driven phase, shaped by economic cooperation and regional connectivity.
Originally published by Dawn News.
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