ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Russia, describing Moscow as a major global power and a reliable partner, while highlighting the steady growth in bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.

Addressing a reception held in Islamabad to mark Russia Day, President Zardari said it was a great pleasure to participate in the celebrations, describing the occasion as a proud reflection of Russia’s national sovereignty, rich history and the resilience of its people.

On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, as well as in his personal capacity, the President extended heartfelt congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev and the people of the Russian Federation.

Recalling his visit to Russia in 2011, President Zardari said he still cherished the memories of that trip and appreciated President Putin’s important role in bringing Pakistan and Russia closer together.

“Over the past years, Pakistan and Russia have worked consistently to strengthen their relations on the basis of mutual respect, trust and common interests,” he said.

The President noted that the foundations of bilateral relations were strengthened by the visionary leadership of former Prime Minister and President Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a historic role in promoting Pakistan’s ties with the former Soviet Union.

He said this legacy was carried forward by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first woman prime minister, whose leadership helped renew and deepen engagement between the two countries during a period of significant global transformation.

President Zardari also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, describing him as Pakistan’s youngest foreign minister, who further advanced the tradition of engagement through active diplomacy and high-level contacts.

Highlighting the growing momentum in bilateral relations, the President said regular exchanges between ministers and senior officials reflected the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia cooperation.

Referring to remarks made earlier this year by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, President Zardari noted that Lavrov had described Pakistan-Russia relations as being at their most positive level in decades.

“Pakistan attaches great importance to Russia as a global power and a dependable partner,” the President said.

He emphasized that both countries share a commitment to the principles of sovereign equality, dialogue and a stronger voice for the Global South, adding that these values form the basis of their cooperation in multilateral forums.

President Zardari highlighted the growing collaboration between Pakistan and Russia in key sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture and education.

He noted that nearly 1,300 Pakistani students are currently studying in Russia, many of them on Russian scholarships, and described them as an important bridge between the societies of the two countries.

“These students are playing a vital role in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering greater understanding between our nations,” he said.

The President expressed Pakistan’s desire to further expand high-level exchanges and economic cooperation with Russia, emphasizing the need to unlock the full potential of bilateral relations.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the partnership, President Zardari said the country would continue working closely with Russia in pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity for their peoples, the region and the wider world.

“I reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening this important partnership in the interest of our people and for the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Zardari expressed his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the Russian Federation and voiced confidence that the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Russia would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.

“Long live the friendship between Pakistan and Russia,” the President declared.