ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Pakistan in Moscow hosted a reception to mark Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day, attended by about 250 guests, including senior Russian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, media representatives, and members of the Pakistani community.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Yuryevich Galuzin attended the reception as Chief Guest.
Welcoming the guests, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi highlighted the steady growth in Pakistan-Russia relations, describing the ties as marked by warmth, mutual trust and an expanding agenda of cooperation.
The ambassador emphasized the potential for increasing bilateral trade and regional connectivity, particularly through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), with prospects for links to Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports.
He also highlighted ongoing cooperation with Russia and Belarus on a pilot freight railway route connecting Minsk, Moscow and Karachi.
Ambassador Tirmizi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue and regional stability, while calling for stronger cooperation in trade, tourism, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Galuzin acknowledges Pakistan’s mediation during Gulf crisis
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin conveyed warm greetings to the people of Pakistan on Independence Day and appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional and international affairs.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation during the recent Gulf crisis and its contribution at the United Nations, including through its current role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Galuzin also highlighted Pakistan’s active role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, saying that Pakistan-Russia relations were based on mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests.
On economic cooperation, the Russian deputy foreign minister referred to the forthcoming 11th session of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission in Moscow, prospective cooperation concerning Karachi Steel Mills, connectivity under the INSTC, and pharmaceutical production.
He also welcomed ongoing work on the Russia-Pakistan Trade and Economic Cooperation Development Programme through 2030 and the expected start of negotiations between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union on a free-trade agreement.
Education was also identified as an important area of bilateral cooperation, with Galuzin welcoming growing opportunities for Pakistani students to study at Russian universities.
Musical performances
The reception featured performances by internationally acclaimed Pakistani band Khumariyaan and Pride of Performance violinist Master Raees Khan, showcasing Pakistan’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
The performances were warmly received by the guests and added a distinctive Pakistani cultural dimension to the event.
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