FM Dar welcomes 'positive momentum' in Islamabad-Moscow relations

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar on Tuesday welcomed the positive momentum in Islamabad-Moscow relations and stressed the need for continued collaboration in key areas and sustained senior-level dialogues. He said this during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev in Islamabad, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. “DPM/FM appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of continued cooperation in key areas, as well as sustained high-level exchanges, to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relations,” the statement read. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Albert Khorev called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. DPM/FM appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of continued cooperation in key areas, as… pic.twitter.com/GJIihpfUy4 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 18, 2026 During the meeting, Dar emphasised Pakistan’s “consistent view” that dialogue and diplomacy were the only way forward for resolving differences and promoting regional peace and stability. The Russian envoy had called on Dar to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional developments, MOFA said on X. In mid-July, Russia and China reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic coordination and expanding cooperation across political, economic and regional domains, during the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation celebration. Read: Russia, China vow deeper ties with Pakistan in focus In a joint article, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Khorev and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, describing the 2001 treaty as a "landmark document" said it laid the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership “a vital constant" amid sweeping global changes. Before that, on June 9, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari confirmed that Pakistan and Russia had agreed to sign an Economic Cooperation Programme extending through 2030. He expressed these views during a webinar titled "Pakistan-Russia Bilateral Relations in the Context of the Changing Global Order". The minister also said that a recently signed “readmission agreement” was expected to facilitate improved visa arrangements and strengthen people-to-people contacts.