Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, during a visit to Islamabad, expressed Moscow’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), according to Reuters. Overchuk, on a two-day visit to Pakistan, made the announcement at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, highlighting Russia’s backing for Pakistan’s request to join the influential group of emerging market economies.
In addition to this, Overchuk mentioned that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin would attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting in Islamabad next month. The visit is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia, especially in trade and economic cooperation.
During the visit, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Pakistan also announced its accession to the MoU on the creation of the International Transport Corridor involving Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
The discussions emphasized transforming Pakistan-Russia relations into a strong economic partnership, with both sides keen to intensify dialogue on trade, energy, and defence cooperation. Overchuk further commented on the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations, noting the potential for broader collaboration in areas such as science, technology, and education.
Overchuk also paid a courtesy visit to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, where they discussed mutual interests, regional security, and defence cooperation. The Russian Deputy PM commended Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and promoting peace in the region.
In an interview with The News, Overchuk described Pakistan as a significant partner for Russia in South Asia, emphasizing the growing potential for business cooperation and cultural exchanges. He highlighted the rise in bilateral trade settled in national currencies, which exceeded 80% in 2024, a significant increase from previous years.
Overchuk noted the importance of facilitating direct contacts between the people of both countries and encouraged deeper educational and cultural ties, with Russian language courses now being offered in several Pakistani cities. Additionally, he emphasized Russia’s willingness to share its advanced knowledge and technology, particularly in sectors like energy, transportation, agriculture, and medicine.
In parallel meetings, the Russian Federation’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev discussed a proposal with Pakistani officials to establish a new steel mill in Karachi, aimed at bridging the country’s 3.1 million-ton gap between domestic steel production and demand. This initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s steel industry, which is currently fragmented and reliant on outdated technology.
The discussions and agreements made during Overchuk’s visit reflect a growing Pakistan-Russia partnership, with both sides eager to explore new avenues for economic, trade, and cultural cooperation.
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