Media Forum Moscow, Islamabad highlight strengthening Russia-Pakistan ties

MOSCOW (Shahid Ghumman) - At the recently held Moscow-Islamabad Media Forum in the Russian capital, officials and experts discussed the rapidly growing ties between Pakistan and Russia, focusing on regional security, media cooperation, and information exchange.

The forum was organized ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Moscow.

Addressing the forum, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said that bilateral relations are on a positive trajectory, with both countries keen to expand cooperation across political, economic, defense, educational, and public sectors. He highlighted that multiple meetings between Prime Minister Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin reflect ongoing high-level diplomatic engagement, and the upcoming visit will mark their fifth significant summit-level contact.

Ambassador Tirmizi announced that a Pakistan-Russia Business Forum will be held during the Prime Minister’s visit, with over 100 Pakistani companies engaging with Russian counterparts to advance trade, investment, and energy sector collaboration.

He also noted past cooperation in disaster relief, citing Russia’s timely support after Pakistan’s 2005 earthquake and 2022 floods, as well as recent visits by Russian emergency service delegations to Islamabad to strengthen joint efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that the forum plays a vital role in fostering bilateral relations, as it brings together political leaders, diplomats, and journalists to strengthen information and cultural ties.

Spokesperson noted that in today’s world, information has become a key global power, and access to accurate information and transparent dialogue helps build a balanced international system where diverse cultures can thrive. Zakharova also warned that misuse of information or propaganda can impact political and social stability, underscoring the importance of media forums like Moscow-Islamabad.

Pakistan’s Ambassador Albert Khurief added that the forum provides experts from both nations an opportunity to better understand each other’s perspectives and interests, paving the way for deeper bilateral cooperation. He highlighted that in a multipolar world with rising challenges such as regional conflicts, unilateral sanctions, and extremism, Pakistan-Russia collaboration is crucial to promote regional stability, economic ties, and mutual benefits.

Geopolitical analyst Roksolana Zigon said that recent cooperation reflects a combination of public and traditional diplomacy. While ties fluctuated during the Cold War, shifts in the global power balance and regional dynamics have brought the two countries closer strategically. She noted that early 2010s developments in Afghanistan provided an opportunity to restore relations, leading to accelerated cooperation across multiple sectors. Zigon added that Pakistan often faced isolation in counterterrorism efforts, with negative narratives in international media that did not reflect ground realities.

Other speakers included Senator Mashahid Hussain Syed and Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry. The forum was jointly organized by the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Associated Press of Pakistan, and other institutions.