In a significant move for Pakistan BRICS Membership, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk announced that Moscow fully supports the bid. This endorsement came during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, where Overchuk positively addressed questions regarding Pakistan’s request to join the influential group of emerging market economies.
During the press conference, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that discussions with Overchuk centered on enhancing economic relations between Pakistan and Russia. He noted that bilateral trade between the two nations reached $1 billion last year and underscored the importance of resolving logistical challenges to further strengthen trade ties.
Ishaq Dar highlighted the potential for energy cooperation with Russia, expressing Pakistan’s eagerness to develop critical connectivity projects, including rail and road networks that would benefit both nations and facilitate broader regional integration.
In terms of regional collaboration, Ishaq Dar described Pakistan’s view of Russia as a pivotal player in West, South, and Central Asia. Strengthening mutually beneficial relations with Russia is a top priority for Pakistan’s foreign policy. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working alongside Moscow to foster peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Acknowledging Russia’s historical connections with the Muslim world and its position within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dar commended Russia for advocating that freedom of speech should respect revered figures and religions, a stance that resonates with the sentiments of the Muslim Ummah.
Ishaq Dar expressed optimism for ongoing high-level engagements and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to deepening ties with Russia.
Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk elaborated on the collaboration prospects between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union, which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia. They discussed advancing a free trade agreement that would benefit all five nations, with plans for further discussions to finalize the agreement.
He noted that the upcoming intergovernmental commission meeting in Russia later this year would serve as a platform to bolster trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Russia. Overchuk emphasized that their mutual goals within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization align well, particularly regarding connectivity, climate initiatives, food security, energy transition, and energy security.
Moreover, both nations agreed to enhance dialogue and cooperation across various sectors, including trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and education. This consensus was reached during delegation-level discussions between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his Russian counterpart today.
Overchuk’s visit aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari Vladimir Putin to transform bilateral relations into a robust, mutually beneficial economic partnership, further underscoring Pakistan’s strategic interest in securing BRICS membership.
Enhancing the Pakistan-Russia Partnership in Agriculture
The Pakistan-Russia Partnership is poised for a significant enhancement as both nations prepare to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on agricultural cooperation. This initiative aims to transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector and significantly boost the productivity of agricultural products.
Under this collaboration, Russia will provide technical assistance to modernize Pakistan’s fertilizer manufacturing plants, addressing local agricultural input needs and increasing output. This decision emerged during a meeting between Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khuriev.
Their discussions covered various mutual interests, particularly enhancing industrial and agricultural cooperation, and promoting trade relations. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, particularly in trade and investment. He highlighted the urgent need for modern agricultural machinery to elevate productivity. Ambassador Albert P. Khuriev invited Pakistani agricultural experts to Russia to facilitate knowledge sharing, aiming to improve crop output in both countries. This agreement marks a pivotal step toward advancing agricultural innovations for mutual economic benefit.
