Russia Marks 78 Years Of Ties With Pakistan

MOSCOW: (Web Desk) – The Russia has marked 78 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan, reaffirming its commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. In a statement issued by the Russian Embassy, Moscow described its partnership with Pakistan as an important pillar of its foreign policy in South Asia.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries were officially established on May 1, and early cooperation included significant support from the former Soviet Union, which provided food assistance to Pakistan in its early years. Over time, this partnership expanded into key development initiatives. With Soviet technical expertise, Pakistan launched major projects in the 1970s, including the establishment of its largest steel mill in Karachi, as well as thermal power plants in Muzaffargarh, Multan-II, and Guddu. A radio station near Islamabad was also built with Soviet assistance.

The collaboration extended to the formation of the Oil and Gas Development Company and contributions to the country’s agricultural development. In recent years, both nations have continued to strengthen ties through regular dialogue and institutional cooperation, including meetings under the intergovernmental commission focused on trade, economic, scientific, and technical collaboration.

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Economic relations have also grown steadily, with bilateral trade surpassing one billion US dollars in 2023. Cooperation is expanding into new areas such as healthcare and education, including plans for a joint insulin production project and the provision of 152 scholarships for Pakistani students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Interest in the Russian language is also increasing across Pakistani universities.

At the global level, both countries maintain close coordination at platforms like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which Russia described as a key framework for regional security and sustainable development.

Reiterating its commitment, Russia expressed its intention to further strengthen bilateral relations across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields, while extending congratulations to Pakistan on the anniversary of their diplomatic partnership.