Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral relations and expand parliamentary diplomacy during a high-level meeting between Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko at the Kremlin.
The meeting, held during Chairman Gilani’s official visit to Moscow, focused on strategic cooperation in peace, trade, energy, and regional stability.
The two sides agreed to enhance inter-parliamentary engagement and accelerate efforts under existing frameworks, including a Memorandum of Understanding between their respective parliamentary bodies. The Russian side confirmed receipt of the Joint Implementation Protocol, with internal processes for its execution already underway.
Chairman Gilani, invited by Ms. Matvienko, thanked Russian leadership for the warm hospitality and congratulated them on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. He emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Russia and believes in the value of high-level parliamentary exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and regional peace.
‘Pakistan-Russia cooperation today carries global resonance-not only for our mutual prosperity but also for a more secure and stable region,’ Gilani remarked, underlining the role of parliamentary diplomacy in conflict prevention and confidence-building.
The discussions included regional security, economic ties, and counterterrorism. Chairman Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue-based conflict resolution, especially concerning the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He criticized unilateral moves such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and called on Russia to support diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and India.
‘Billions of lives cannot be held hostage to conflict. Dialogue must prevail over destruction,’ he stated, adding that Pakistan has rejected baseless accusations and demands an impartial investigation into recent escalations.
Ms. Matvienko welcomed Pakistan’s position and said Russia was ready to assist in facilitating peace efforts in South Asia. ‘It is encouraging to see that the situation is stabilizing and a ceasefire has been reached,’ she noted, stressing the importance of addressing terrorism through international cooperation.
Economic cooperation formed a key part of the dialogue. Chairman Gilani urged expedited progress through the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, including joint initiatives in energy, metallurgy, and power generation. He also welcomed discussions on alternative trade mechanisms such as barter systems and advocated for deeper business-to-business links.
The two sides also discussed cultural and academic collaboration. Mr. Gilani proposed increased university partnerships, student exchanges, and easing of visa regimes. He noted that the resumption of direct flights would enhance tourism and economic engagement.
Highlighting Pakistan’s experience in combating terrorism, Gilani pointed to personal tragedies-including the abduction of his son and the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto-and recognized Malala Yousafzai’s global role in promoting peace and education. ‘We are a frontline state and expect global solidarity,’ he said.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from both countries, concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a long-term, multi-dimensional partnership rooted in mutual respect and strategic interests. Future parliamentary engagement, including through platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, is expected to further institutionalize cooperation.