RIAC, NUST and MGIMO roundtable highlights information sovereignty, joint research and expanded expert exchanges

ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (WNP): Russian and Pakistani experts have discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and information sovereignty during a hybrid roundtable jointly organised by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).

The Russian-Pakistani expert meeting brought together academics, policymakers and industry specialists to exchange views on emerging cybersecurity challenges and identify areas with potential for closer cooperation between the two countries.

Participants included Dr Dmitry Kiku, Deputy Director General of RIAC; Dr Hassan Jalil Shah, Principal of NUST Jinnah School of Public Policy and Leadership; Gleb Shubin, Cultural Attaché of the Russian Embassy in Islamabad; and Egor Rykov, International Business Development Manager at Positive Technologies.

Leading experts from MGIMO and NUST also participated in the discussions, contributing academic and professional perspectives on information security and the evolving digital environment.

During the substantive exchange, Russian and Pakistani experts outlined the respective cybersecurity priorities of Moscow and Islamabad, while highlighting significant potential for developing bilateral cooperation in the field.

The participants discussed the importance of strengthening professional and institutional links between experts and academic institutions in both countries, particularly as cybersecurity becomes an increasingly important component of national security and technological development.

The roundtable also underscored the value of academic and expert exchanges, with participants calling for their further expansion through dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaborative initiatives.

Particular emphasis was placed on the potential for joint research projects, which could provide a platform for Russian and Pakistani specialists to address shared challenges and develop expertise in cybersecurity and information sovereignty.

The organisers said continued engagement among academic institutions, research organisations and technology experts could contribute to building stronger foundations for Russia-Pakistan cooperation in the digital and cybersecurity domains.

The meeting reflects growing interest in expanding bilateral ties beyond traditional areas of engagement and developing new avenues of cooperation in technology, research, education and digital security.