President Putin believes Russia’s relationship with Pakistan strengthening every year: Russian minister

ISLAMABAD: Russia stands ready to “lend a helping hand whenever needed,” said the Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, adding that he arrived in Islamabad on the direct instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who believes that bilateral ties continued to grow stronger each year.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV on Thursday, during his visit to Islamabad, Tsivilev called the 10th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) a “turning point” in bilateral ties. 

He reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to expanding long-term cooperation with Pakistan across energy, pharmaceuticals, education, tourism, and space technology.

“I have arrived in Islamabad on the direct instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who conveyed respect to the Pakistani nation and believes that bilateral ties continue to grow stronger with each passing year,” the Russian minister said, adding that President Putin wishes every success to the IGC and hopes for the launch of maximum joint projects for the development of both nations.

Russia, Pakistan to develop joint space program

Tsivilev highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at deepening collaboration, one of which is the joint space program. He said, “Russia and Pakistan are developing a joint program in the outer space, and it's very important that young people see these cosmonauts.”

He said perhaps, it will inspire the youth to pursue their dream of joining this research and with enough determination, it is attainable for anyone, “including women.”

“Russia will always stand by Pakistan”

The minister said Russia values its friendship with Pakistan and remains ready to assist whenever needed.

“We are always prepared to lend a helping hand to the friendly nation of Pakistan,” he said

Insulin production in Pakistan priority for ‘pharmaceutical security’

One of the most concrete proposals discussed was localized insulin production in Pakistan. Tsivilyov said Moscow wants Pakistan to achieve “pharmaceutical security” by manufacturing essential medicines domestically rather than relying on imports.

He confirmed that the final pricing model, aligned with the cost of American-made insulin currently imported by Pakistan, will be discussed during the IGC meeting. He added that Russia is open to jointly producing additional medicines and vaccines, including veterinary vaccines crucial for livestock protection.

Energy Justice: A shared vision for development

The minister reiterated Russia’s global call for “energy justice,” pointing to the urgent need for equal access to reliable electricity in developing regions.

“Energy today defines competitiveness, transport systems, AI infrastructure, even finance through cryptocurrencies,” he said, adding that Russia has raised the issue at BRICS and SCO forums.

Tsivilev said Pakistan-Russia cooperation in the energy sector will expand as new technologies and investments are explored.

Engineering Education: Russia proposes joint schools and training

A major long-term initiative Tsivilev announced is the potential rollout of Russia’s Engineering Schools Program in Pakistan.

The model begins at the secondary-school level with specialized physics, chemistry, and mathematics tracks, followed by university training and industrial internships.

He said Russia aims to train 300,000 engineers by 2030 and is ready to include Pakistani students in a similar pipeline.

“It’s time to invest in children. In five to seven years, the payback will be far greater than any money spent today,” he said.

Tourism and direct flights on the agenda

Tourism emerged as another expanding avenue, with both sides seeing strong interest from travelers. Tsivilyov said Pakistan and Russia must “remove existing restrictions” and simplify travel, adding that increased tourism flows could justify regular direct flights between the two countries. This issue remained a key focus of working-group meetings ahead of the IGC sessions, he confirmed.