In a significant reaffirmation of Pakistan-Russia friendship and shared strategic vision, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, held a high-level meeting with Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko, at the Kremlin in Moscow.
The meeting underscored a deepening partnership between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and advancing peace, trade, and regional stability, according to a press release received here on Tuesday from Moscow, Russia.
Chairman Gilani, visiting Moscow on the personal invitation of Ms Matvienko, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to elevate its ties with Russia.
‘Pakistan-Russia cooperation resonates beyond our borders-it represents a commitment to regional peace and global stability,’ he stated. Chairperson Matvienko praised Gilani’s enduring role as a statesman and a long-time friend of Russia.
‘Bilateral relations advanced under Mr Gilani’s premiership, and they continue to grow under his current leadership,’ she said, highlighting the Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) between the two parliaments and noting that the Joint Implementation Protocol is undergoing internal formalities.
Discussions covered a wide spectrum-from regional security and parliamentary exchanges to energy collaboration and people-to-people linkages. Gilani emphasized the pivotal role of inter-parliamentary ties in promoting stability, particularly in regions such as South Asia and Afghanistan.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, Gilani stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving regional disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Pakistan has always favored diplomatic solutions over confrontation, even in the face of provocations,’ he noted, pointing to Islamabad’s restraint amid recent tensions.
He called upon Russia to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue between Pakistan and India. ‘Billions of lives cannot be held hostage to conflict. We have categorically rejected baseless allegations, called for independent investigations, and denounced unilateral actions like the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty,’ he asserted.
Chairperson Matvienko responded positively, stating, ‘Russia stands ready to assist in negotiations between Pakistan and India. It is heartening to see signs of stabilization and ceasefire in the region.’
On economic cooperation, Chairman Gilani stressed the untapped potential in Pakistan-Russia trade and called for faster progress under the Intergovernmental Commission framework. He welcomed the discussion on innovative trade mechanisms such as barter systems and urged stronger business-to-business connections.
Cultural and educational ties also featured prominently in the talks, with Gilani advocating for expanded university collaborations, tech partnerships, student exchanges, and eased visa regimes. He expressed hope that direct flights between the two countries would resume soon, unlocking potential in tourism and commerce.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s frontline role in the fight against terrorism, Gilani shared a personal note: ‘Pakistan has paid a high price. My own son was kidnapped for three years, and Benazir Bhutto was martyred. Yet our resilience remains unshaken.’
The meeting was conducted in a warm and constructive atmosphere. Also present were Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev; Head of the Pakistan-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group Vladimir Chizhov; Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Khalid Muhammad Jamali; and Financial Advisor to the Chairman Senate, Aizaz Khan.