MOSCOW, Thursday, July 10, 2025 (WNP): A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, and SAPM on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow to discuss deepening strategic cooperation across multiple sectors in a significant diplomatic engagement.

The meeting reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political dialogue, trade and economic collaboration, energy cooperation, connectivity projects, and industrial and agricultural partnerships. The interaction marked a notable step in Islamabad’s efforts to rejuvenate and expand ties with Moscow.

Ambassador Fatemi underscored that Russia remains a priority partner in Pakistan’s foreign policy, describing Moscow as a “stabilizing force” in global affairs. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening long-term engagement in energy, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar, Pakistan’s focal person for the revival of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), emphasized the symbolic and strategic significance of the proposed new steel mill in Karachi, noting that it would represent a “leap forward” in Pakistan-Russia cooperation and revive the historic legacy of industrial partnership between the two nations.

He also outlined the government’s investment-friendly industrial policy and macroeconomic gains, assuring Russian partners of Pakistan’s readiness to welcome joint ventures and new investments.

Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk, joined by key Russian ministers, recalled his productive visit to Pakistan in 2024 and hailed the “natural alliance” between the two countries. He reiterated President Vladimir Putin’s strong support for deepening ties with Islamabad, especially in economic development, energy cooperation, and regional trade corridors.

Overchuk specifically highlighted upcoming connectivity initiatives, including the Uzbekistan-Pakistan-Russia railway corridor and the launch of a pilot cargo train service between Pakistan and Russia in August 2025, which he said would enhance trade flow across Eurasia.

The two sides also exchanged views on key regional and international developments, including the evolving situations in South Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East, and reaffirmed cooperation at multilateral forums.

Deputy PM Overchuk expressed appreciation for the visit of the two SAPMs and shared that President Putin was eagerly anticipating a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, China, scheduled for late August 2025.

The meeting reflected a renewed momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations, underpinned by shared interests in strategic infrastructure, regional peace, and sustainable economic growth.