Moscow, Russia – Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) and Minister of State, concluded a three-day visit to the Russian Federation today, aiming to bolster bilateral relations and discuss pressing regional issues. The visit, from June 2nd to 4th, 2025, saw the SAPM engage in high-level meetings with Russian officials, focusing on expanding cooperation in key sectors and sharing Pakistan’s perspective on South Asian developments.
A central theme of the visit was the deepening of economic and strategic ties. Following a meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, SAPM Fatemi met with Mr. Sergey Tsivilev, Russia’s Minister of Energy and Co-Chair of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC). The discussions covered a broad spectrum of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on trade, energy, connectivity, the development of new steel mills, and cybersecurity.
SAPM Fatemi underscored the significant potential for enhanced energy cooperation between the two nations. He also briefed Mr. Tsivilev on recent developments in South Asia, commending Russia’s role in de-escalating regional tensions. Mr. Tsivilev expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the ninth Pakistan-Russia IGC held in Moscow in 2024 and voiced optimism for a productive upcoming IGC in Pakistan later this year. He further noted Pakistan’s potential to emerge as a “transit hub.”
Regional stability remained a key agenda item throughout the visit. SAPM Fatemi held a meeting with Mr. Yury Ushakov, Senior Aide to the President on Foreign Policy Issues. During this interaction, he briefed Mr. Ushakov on the recent escalation in South Asia and articulated Pakistan’s stance regarding India’s actions, particularly its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Beyond official engagements, SAPM Fatemi actively engaged with the Russian media and academic community. He gave two interviews to leading Russian TV networks, sharing his views on the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations and the recent escalation between Pakistan and India. He also participated in extensive discussions with a group of academics and journalists from prominent print and electronic media outlets. On June 4th, the SAPM was hosted by the prestigious Valdai Discussion Club, a Moscow-based think-tank, where he delivered a talk on recent developments in South Asia and the evolving Pakistan-Russia relationship.
Overall, the Embassy of Pakistan in Moscow characterized the visit as “highly successful,” highlighting the numerous important official engagements and candid exchanges with parliamentarians, think tanks, academics, and journalists. The visit provided a crucial platform for Pakistan to explicitly share its perspective on the current regional situation and other significant issues, such as the IWT, with the Russian side.
The visit concluded with widespread appreciation for Pakistan’s concerted efforts in enhancing its relations with Russia, particularly in vital areas of trade, investment, energy, and connectivity routes.
Pakistan Deepens Ties with Russia, Discusses Regional Stability During Senior Official’s Visit
