ISLAMABAD, Sunday, April 12, 2026 (WNP): The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan commemorated the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Yuri Gagarin in Fatima Jinnah Park.

The event was attended by Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Ayesha Ali, and ambassadors from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with officials from Capital Development Authority and SUPARCO.

Members of the Russian community, embassy staff, and representatives from Pakistani academia also attended the ceremony.

In his remarks, Ambassador Khorev said that Gagarin’s historic flight aboard the Vostok-1 marked the beginning of a new era in human history, symbolizing humanity’s pursuit of scientific and technological advancement.

He highlighted that the achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of millions of Soviet citizens, including scientists, engineers, and workers across the former Soviet republics.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, Ayesha Ali thanked the Russian Embassy for organizing the event and underscored the growing bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Russia.

She noted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its multifaceted relationship with Russia, citing cooperation in energy, regional connectivity, education, and cultural exchanges as key areas of engagement.

The ceremony also highlighted the role of shared commemorations in strengthening mutual respect and deepening ties between the two countries.

The Russian Embassy expressed gratitude to the International Charitable Public Foundation “Dialogue of Cultures – United World” and the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange for their support in providing the bust of Yuri Gagarin and facilitating the construction of the monument.