Putin says Russia-Pakistan ties ‘genuinely mutually beneficial’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described relations between Moscow and Islamabad as “genuinely mutually beneficial”, as Pakistan’s new ambassador presented his credentials at the Kremlin.

“We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the largest regional organization in terms of economic, technological, and human potential. Russia‑Pakistan relations are genuinely mutually beneficial,” the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan quoted Putin as saying on X.

The remarks were made during a credential‑presentation ceremony a day ago at the Kremlin’s Grand Palace, where Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, handed over his diplomatic credentials to Putin.

Bilateral ties have deepened in recent years, driven in part by economic necessity. Moscow, facing Western sanctions over its Ukraine campaign, has sought new trading partners and energy markets, while Islamabad has looked for cost‑effective fuel sources to ease pressure on its import bill.

Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met in September last year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana, where both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral ties. On the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, they agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, with Sharif highlighting the growth in trade following Pakistan’s import of Russian oil, and Putin emphasizing continued opportunities to strengthen economic and strategic engagement.

Sharif lauded Putin’s role in bolstering bilateral engagement, citing the Russian president’s “personal commitment and interest” in advancing ties. He emphasized Pakistan’s intent to further deepen collaboration, particularly in trade and commerce, noting increases in bilateral trade volumes following the commencement of Russian oil imports.

Putin, for his part, referred to Pakistan as a “traditional partner” in Asia and signaled a willingness to expand cooperation further, while acknowledging that trade links still have room for growth. He also extended condolences for recent natural disasters in Pakistan and wished Islamabad success in meeting its challenges under Sharif’s leadership.

Last month, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Islamabad and Moscow were in discussions over a potential new oil‑sector agreement, reflecting ongoing efforts to solidify energy cooperation.