ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly, Valentina Matvienko, expressed Russia’s appreciation for Pakistan as a key player on the international stage during her meeting with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, in Islamabad today. She commended Pakistan’s efforts toward global peace.
Ms. Matvienko reaffirmed Russia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to promote regional and global peace and prosperity.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with Russia in areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the historical role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and advocated for sustained engagement between the two parliaments, facilitated by friendship groups and high-level exchanges to foster mutual learning and shared experiences.
Earlier, the Senate of Pakistan and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing ties through parliamentary diplomacy. The MoU was formalized during a meeting between Valentina Matvienko and Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
On this occasion, both sides acknowledged the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Pakistan. They stressed the importance of active bilateral political dialogue, including at the highest levels, and strong inter-parliamentary relations. Madam Speaker also noted Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).