Islamabad, September 19, 2024 – The Europe Today: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk announced Moscow’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS, the bloc of leading emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. His remarks came during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Thursday, following Overchuk’s two-day visit.
“We would be supportive of it,” Overchuk stated in response to Pakistan’s interest in joining the BRICS grouping, underscoring Russia’s willingness to strengthen ties with Pakistan.
Overchuk also confirmed that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin would attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting in Islamabad, emphasizing the importance of the event for both nations.
During the visit, Pakistan and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral economic and trade cooperation, witnessed by Foreign Minister Dar and Overchuk. Additionally, Pakistan formally announced its accession to the MoU on the Creation and Development of the International Transport Corridor, connecting Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) and the Saint Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) also signed a key agreement to boost trade.
The two countries held delegation-level talks, with both sides expressing their commitment to transforming their relationship into a robust economic partnership. They emphasized the need for intensified bilateral dialogue in politics, economics, and defense. The talks also covered the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade, energy, technology, and education, and both parties agreed to continue coordinating on multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations and SCO.
During a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Overchuk praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing security and defense cooperation.
In an exclusive interview, Overchuk hailed Pakistan as a long-time partner, noting that bilateral relations have significantly improved in recent years. He highlighted the growing potential for collaboration in business, culture, and education, adding that Russia is prepared to share its advanced technologies in energy, transportation, agriculture, and medicine.
Furthermore, discussions between Russian Federation Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev and Pakistan’s Minister for Industries, Production, and National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, focused on establishing a new steel mill in Karachi with Russian cooperation. The project is expected to address Pakistan’s 3.1 million-ton steel production shortfall and reduce dependence on imports.
Overchuk’s visit represents a new chapter in Pakistan-Russia relations, as both nations seek to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, strengthening their economic and strategic partnership.
