President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening relations with Russia, saying the two countries had steadily expanded cooperation based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.
He was addressing a Russia Day reception hosted by the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, which was attended by political leaders, diplomats, government officials and members of civil society. The event began with the playing of the national anthems of Pakistan and Russia.
Speaking as the chief guest, President Asif Ali Zardari said it was a pleasure to participate in celebrations marking Russia's National Day, describing the occasion as a reflection of Russia's sovereignty, history and the resilience of its people.
He extended congratulations to the people and government of Russia, as well as to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khoreyev.
Zardari recalled his visit to Russia in 2011 and praised President Putin's role in bringing the two countries closer together. He said Pakistan and Russia had worked consistently over the years to strengthen bilateral relations through dialogue and cooperation.
The president paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundations of Pakistan's relations with the former Soviet Union and said the legacy was later advanced by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during a period of major global political changes.
He also highlighted the diplomatic engagement of former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, saying it had helped further strengthen bilateral ties.
Zardari noted that regular contacts between senior officials of both countries reflected the positive trajectory of relations and referred to remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this year that Pakistan-Russia ties were at their most positive level in decades.
"Pakistan values Russia as a global power and a reliable partner," he said, adding that both countries shared a commitment to sovereign equality, dialogue and a stronger voice for the Global South.
The president said cooperation in energy, industry, agriculture and education was expanding, noting that around 1,300 Pakistani students were currently studying in Russia, many on Russian scholarships.
He expressed hope for greater high-level engagement and stronger economic cooperation in the future, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening the partnership for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Addressing the reception, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khoreyev said President Putin had designated 2026 as the Year of Unity of the Russian People, reflecting the country's commitment to cultural diversity, national unity and historical traditions.
He said Russia Day represented the diversity of the Russian Federation's many nationalities and cultures.
The ambassador noted that Russia-Pakistan relations had expanded rapidly in recent years through political consultations, economic cooperation and defense collaboration, including regular joint military exercises.
Khoreyev said the two countries had signed several important documents in recent weeks and were also working together to combat extremism.
He emphasized the significant potential for further growth in trade and economic relations and highlighted the role of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission in promoting economic, scientific and technical cooperation.
The ambassador also noted the participation of Pakistani leaders and business representatives in major Russian events, including the Kazan Forum.
Referring to scientific and cultural cooperation, he recalled a ceremony held on April 12 to commemorate the first human spaceflight, during which a monument to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was inaugurated.
Khoreyev concluded by congratulating the guests on Russia Day and expressing confidence that relations between Pakistan and Russia would continue to grow in the years ahead.
Reporter: Anwer Abbas