Dynamics of global processes promote closer Russian-Pakistani cooperation – Matviyenko

28 October 2024

ISLAMABAD. Oct 28 (Interfax) – Russian Federation Council speaker Valentina Matviyenko has held official meetings with the speakers of both chambers of the Pakistani parliament, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Chairman Sardar Sadiq, in Pakistan, an Interfax correspondent reported.

“Our visit is a practical step towards strengthening the Russian-Pakistani inter-parliamentary dialogue. I believe this is a highly appropriate moment. The dynamics of global processes promote our closer cooperation in the broadest range of issues,” Matviyenko said after her meeting with Gilani.

“The obvious shift from unipolarity, the increased role of the countries of the Global South and the success of new formats within the SCO and other multilateral unions lay the groundwork for quality interaction between countries sharing a macro-region, especially those with very close stances on most issues on the international agenda, such as Russia and Pakistan,” Matviyenko said.

The sides signed a memorandum of mutual understanding between the Federation Council and the Pakistani Senate during the Russian delegation’s visit.

Matviyenko called the document important and said Russia and Pakistan had a successful political dialogue, while the bilateral economic relations “are slightly lagging behind.” “Clearly, they should be raised to the level of political relations,” she said.

The meeting with Sadiq addressed current items on the global agenda, food security and the fight against terrorism, the Federation Council’s press service told the press.

“A visit of a delegation from the Pakistani parliament’s lower chamber to Moscow, which is planned for November this year, is important,” Matviyenko said.

“Illegal unilateral sanctions must not hinder the development of Russian-Pakistani cooperation,” Sadiq said.