Islamabad:
President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and Russia have “enormous potential” that was to be exploited to extend bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology and people.
He made these comments while addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad on Tuesday to mark the 35th national day of the Russian Federation.
“On this important occasion, Pakistan joins Russia to celebrate this national day, reflecting our solidarity and our friendship,” said President Zardari. “I am happy to declare that our bilateral relations have improved over the years, depending on mutual respect, cooperation and shared interests in various fields.”
He made warm congratulations to the Russian president Vladimir Putin, the ambassador Albert Khorev and the people of Russia. The ceremony began with the national hymns of the two countries, solemnly observed by the participants.
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President Zardari said Pakistan considered Russia as an important world power and a key player in promoting peace and stability in the Eurasian region.
He underlined the recent high -level exchanges between Islamabad and Moscow, describing them as launching the basics of a deeper commitment. “Pakistan and Russia also continue to cooperate closely on regional and international platforms,” he added.
Referring to the recent diplomatic awareness, the president said: “The Prime Minister’s special assistant, Tariq Fatemi, had a very promising meeting with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs in Moscow at the beginning of the month when the two parties had stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region.”
Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral ties, the president said: “I am convinced that the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Russia will continue to strengthen. While we are celebrating this important opportunity this evening, let us reaffirm our commitment to build bridges of understanding and cooperation between our two nations. Let us see the possibilities that were going to us in the future.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, Russian ambassador Albert Khorev said that Russia had remained a sovereign, powerful and resilient nation, “motivated by the unwavering support of his people”.
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Citing President Vladimir Putin, the ambassador said Russia has historically played a unifying role in the region, extending “Balts in the Caucasus”.
He noted the “satisfactory rhythm” of the bilateral cooperation of Pak-Russia in several sectors and appreciated the growing interest of Pakistan in the Russian culture and language.
“We congratulate Pakistani enthusiasm for learning the Russian language,” he said. “The Russian mission actively supports the establishment and expansion of language learning institutions across the country.”
Ambassador Khorev reaffirmed Russia’s support to Pakistan on various international platforms and expressed the desire to deepen the ties of education, diplomacy and mutual development.
The ceremony ended with a musical performance with a Russian folk artist.
