Speakers Voice Optimism For Stronger Pak-Russia Ties

Speakers voice optimism for stronger Pak-Russia ties

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Nov, 2018 ) :Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla Tuesday expressed the hope that the relations between Pakistan and Russia were on the upward trajectory and opening up new vistas for mutual cooperation would further strengthen these ties.

He said Pakistan attached great importance to its relationship with the Russian Federation.

He was addressing a ceremony held here to celebrate 70 years of Pakistan and Russian Federation diplomatic relations and conferment of "Award of Cooperation" by the Foreign Ministry of Russian Federation on former senator Sehar Kamran in recognition of her services for strengthening ties between the two countries.

Saleem Mandviwalla said the inclusion of Pakistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) further enhanced its regional connectivity and economic prospects.

Given Pakistan's strategic location, it could act as a regional hub of trade and commerce to Central Asia and SCO member states, he added.

He lauded former senator Sehar Kamran's exemplary legislative skills and legislative initiatives, saying, she was a distinguished parliamentarian, educationist and philanthropist.

He said, it was indeed a great tribute to her tremendous efforts which she had put in building friendship between the two nations.

Ambassador of Russian Federation Alexey Y. Dedov congratulated Sehar Kamran for receiving the Russia's state 'Award of Cooperation.' He said the senator as a member of Senate of Pakistan and as well as the President of Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) had worked tirelessly to improve the bilateral relation between the two nations.

The ambassador also expressed the hope that the ties between the two countries would grow further in future in different areas of cooperation.

The event was attended by minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda, ambassadors of Egypt, Yemen, Uzbekistan, senators, members of national assemblies and the civil society.

Former senator Sehar Kamran, member of Senate Forum for Policy Research (SFPR) and President Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) said that Pakistan and the Russian Federation were connected by a deep historical and cultural affinity, geographical proximity, and a convergence of strategic and economic interests.

She expressed here gratitude for receiving highly prestigious award from Russia's ministry of foreign affairs for strengthening the understanding and bonds between two great nations.

The shifting strategic landscape of global and regional politics demanded that both countries should enhance their bilateral and regional engagement for the stability of the wider region, she added.

She believed that there was a tremendous amount of unexplored economic, trade and defence potential that needed to be capitalized for the benefit of two nations and the larger regional wellbeing.

She also highlighted the strategic significance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and urged the regional countries to gain maximum economic benefits from this transnational project.