Russia has offered to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Moscow’s top diplomat in Islamabad calling for an early resolution of border disputes and the restoration of crossings that have been shut amid escalating security concerns.
Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khureyev, addressing the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad on the topic of Pakistan-Russia relations, said he wants a swift settlement of the border tensions and the reopening of border crossings. He expressed concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and warned of the impact of border closures on regional trade.
Counterterrorism Cooperation in Focus
Speaking at the same forum, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, pointed to opportunities for cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow on counterterrorism and law enforcement, particularly in the wake of the Russian interior minister’s recent visit to Pakistan.
He stressed the need to translate growing political engagement into practical cooperation that supports trade, student mobility and regional connectivity.
Economic and People-to-People Ties
The envoy spoke at length on regional security and called for stronger economic, educational and people-to-people ties with Russia. On trade and connectivity, he prioritised several measures:
- Facilitation of visas for business travellers and students
- Direct flights between the two countries
- Arrangements to address banking and payment constraints
He outlined preparations for a bilateral business forum, including advance meetings between companies, and discussed transport links through Iran, Afghanistan and China.
Education and Cultural Exchange
Ambassador Tirmizi called for stronger university partnerships, greater student mobility and cooperation in science, engineering and agriculture. He also highlighted Russian language teaching, cultural exchanges and closer engagement between the two countries’ media and creative sectors.
The remarks underscore a widening diplomatic push by Moscow and Islamabad to deepen ties across security, trade and education, even as instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier continues to weigh on regional commerce.
