President Asif Ali Zardari called for stronger Pakistan-Russia trade ties, the Press Information Department said in a release. He said bilateral trade stood at US$243.412 million in the financial year 2025 and remained below its potential.
Zardari met Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister of the Interior of the Russian Federation, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. He urged both countries to use existing institutional mechanisms to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, industrial development and regional connectivity.
The president identified Russia as an important energy partner and expressed interest in expanding oil and gas cooperation. He also sought stronger links through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and rail and road routes through Central Asia.
Zardari called for an early resumption of direct flights and better cargo connectivity between Pakistan and Russia.
He welcomed the increase in visas issued to Russian nationals and sought reciprocal facilitation for Pakistani businessmen, tourists and students. He also called for addressing visa, residency and immigration difficulties faced by Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Russia.
Kolokoltsev said bilateral trade did not reflect the strength of relations and saw scope for expansion. He thanked Pakistan for support at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, and invited Zardari to visit Russia.
Source: Press Information Department (PID), Government of Pakistan (official statement, PID 34294).
