Pakistan-Russia ties enter new phase as experts highlight growing cooperation in multipolar world

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia are steadily strengthening their bilateral relationship amid the emergence of a multipolar world order, speakers said during a Pakistan-Russia webinar on Tuesday, emphasizing greater cooperation in energy, trade, connectivity, security and people-to-people exchanges.

The webinar, titled “Pakistan and Russia: Bilateral Relationship at the Cusp of Shifting Global Order,” was organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the University of World Civilizations, Moscow. It brought together senior policymakers, diplomats, academics, strategic experts and media professionals from both countries to discuss evolving geopolitical realities and the future trajectory of bilateral relations.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives at ISSI, said the event aimed to deepen strategic understanding between Pakistan and Russia while promoting public diplomacy, academic collaboration, media engagement and people-to-people contacts.

Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, addressing the webinar as chief guest, described Pakistan-Russia relations as a steadily growing partnership that has made significant progress over the past two decades.

He noted that the relationship had expanded across a wide range of sectors, including energy, trade, industry, defence, education, science and technology, supported by increasing high-level exchanges and the work of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission.

The minister highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries through multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He also welcomed discussions on Pakistan’s participation in the International North-South Transport Corridor and its potential linkage with Gwadar Port.

Leghari said the Programme of Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and Russia through 2030 would provide fresh opportunities to deepen economic engagement and contribute to regional stability and integration.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, described the current period as a defining moment in global politics and underscored Moscow’s growing role in shaping geopolitical and economic developments. He expressed confidence that enhanced connectivity, economic cooperation and political coordination would further strengthen bilateral ties.

During the first working session, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi said Pakistan-Russia relations were currently at their strongest point, driven by increasing convergence on regional and international issues and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, security, connectivity and counterterrorism.

Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir president Ambassador Masood Khan highlighted the significance of Eurasian geopolitics in the emerging multipolar world and stressed the potential for Pakistan and Russia to collaborate on connectivity, energy security, trade integration and counterterrorism initiatives.

Russian experts also acknowledged the growing momentum in bilateral relations. Dr. Natalia Zamaraeva emphasized the importance of economic connectivity, transport corridors, energy cooperation and educational exchanges, while Dr. Roxolana Zigon described the relationship as entering a new phase of strategic trust supported by sustained dialogue and institutional partnerships.

ISSI President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem said ongoing geopolitical transformations were increasing the role of middle powers such as Pakistan in promoting dialogue, mediation and consensus-building within an evolving global order.

The second session focused on strengthening societal and informational linkages between the two countries. Russian media expert Dimitri Alexander Simes called for greater media cooperation and journalist exchanges to improve mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral narratives.

Senior Pakistani journalist Syed Talat Hussain stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy, advocating enhanced cooperation in education, tourism, cultural exchanges and media partnerships to build lasting people-to-people ties.

Russian analyst Leonid Savin echoed these views, emphasizing broader engagement among universities, academic institutions, cultural organizations and professional networks.

Concluding the event, Asia One news anchor Tanya Juliet Francis highlighted the shared recognition among participants that stronger communication, public diplomacy and cultural interaction would be essential for sustaining the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations.

In his closing remarks, ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation in diverse fields, including regional connectivity, energy, media engagement and strategic dialogue, amid ongoing shifts in the global order.