President calls Moscow 'trusted partner,' hails Putin’s role in Pakistan-Russia ties

• President Zardari terms Moscow key global power for deeper cooperation, reaffirming commitment to expand engagement in energy, trade, agriculture and education

• Credits Bhutto leadership for laying foundations of Pakistan-Russia relations, noting 1,300 Pakistani students in Russia as bridge between two societies

• Both sides stress momentum in ties as ‘most positive phase in decades’

• Cultural performances highlight Russia’s National Day celebrations in Islamabad

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said President Vladimir Putin has played a key role in bringing Pakistan and Russia closer, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Moscow, which he described as a “trusted partner.”

Addressing a reception held to mark the National Day of the Russian Federation, the president said Moscow was an important global power with whom Islamabad seeks deeper cooperation across diverse fields, according to a statement issued by the President’s Office.

President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest at a reception held to mark the National Day of the Russian Federation. The President was received by Ambassador Albert P. Khorev. He addressed the gathering, participated in the cake-cutting ceremony and viewed the exhibition “Many… pic.twitter.com/6t3XFVxIDM

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) June 10, 2026

On the occasion, President Zardari extended warm felicitations to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev and the people of Russia on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, noting that the National Day reflected Russia’s independence, rich history and the enduring spirit of its people.

Recalling his visit to Russia in 2011, President Zardari acknowledged President Putin’s role in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting engagement based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.

He said Pakistan-Russia relations had steadily expanded over the years, adding that their foundations were strengthened by the vision and statesmanship of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a pivotal role in establishing ties with the former Soviet Union.

اسلام آباد،روس کے قومی دن کے حوالے سے تقریب
صدرآصف علی زرداری کا تقریب سےخطاب
روس کے قومی دن کی تقریب میں شرکت میرے لیے انتہائی خوشی کا باعث ہے۔
تقریب روس کی قومی خودمختاری، شاندار تاریخ اور اس کے عوام کے عزم و حوصلے کی قابل فخر عکاسی ہے۔
2011 میں روس کے دورے کی خوشگوار یادیں… pic.twitter.com/rVgNOcbJU1

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 10, 2026

The president said the legacy of engagement was later carried forward by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, whose leadership contributed to renewed cooperation during a period of global transition, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari further advanced the relationship during his tenure as foreign minister through active diplomatic outreach.

Highlighting the positive trajectory of ties, President Zardari said regular interactions between ministers and senior officials reflected growing momentum in bilateral relations. Citing remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this year, he noted that the present phase represented the most positive period in Pakistan-Russia relations in decades.

He said Pakistan valued Russia as a major global power and shared with it a commitment to sovereign equality, dialogue and amplifying the voice of the Global South in international affairs.

The president said cooperation between the two countries was expanding in key sectors including energy, industry, agriculture and education, creating new opportunities for economic collaboration and people-to-people linkages.

He particularly highlighted educational exchanges, noting that nearly 1,300 Pakistani students are currently studying in Russia, many on scholarships, serving as a bridge between the two societies.

Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral ties, President Zardari said Pakistan looked forward to sustained high-level engagement to further enhance economic cooperation and unlock the full potential of Pakistan-Russia relations.

“As we celebrate this occasion, I reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening this important partnership for the benefit of our peoples and for peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond,” he said, adding that he hoped the bonds of friendship between the two countries would grow stronger in the years ahead.

National Day Celebrations Highlight Cultural Diplomacy

Earlier, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Albert P. Khorev expressed condolences over the Pakistan Army’s MI-17 helicopter crash and said Russia attached great importance to its relationship with Pakistan.

He said Russia’s National Day symbolized national vision and resilience, adding that President Putin had designated 2026 as the year of unity of the people of Russia, reflecting strength rooted in multilateral cooperation.

The ambassador also lauded Pakistan’s balanced and neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying continued engagement between the two countries should be further promoted through enhanced people-to-people contacts. He expressed optimism for stronger and more prosperous Pakistan-Russia relations.

Cultural Performances Add Colour to Reception

Earlier, the reception featured a cultural fashion walk by Russian artists dressed in traditional vibrant attire representing different regions, cultures and traditions of the Russian Federation.

A traditional Russian dance performance was also staged, energizing the audience with a celebratory atmosphere, while a Russian musical performance drew participants to record the moment as a lasting memory.

A sword dance by Russian performers in traditional military attire also attracted significant attention from attendees.

A documentary showcasing scenic views of Moscow was screened, highlighting the city’s skyscrapers, cultural landmarks and Russia’s diverse cultural heritage.