Date: 28/04/2008

Foreign Minister's Address at the Russian Ambassador's Reception on the occasion of 60 th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations (28 th April 2008)

Ambassador Sergey Peskov, Distinguished Guests, Friends of Pakistan-Russia Relations, Ladies and Gentlemen, Asslaam O Alaikum, Dobri Vecher and Good Evening

It is indeed a matter of great pleasure to be here on this momentous occasion..

Pakistan highly values its relation with the Russian Federation and I hope that these ties will gain further strength in the years ahead. Since the end of the cold war we have made efforts to establish broad-based relations with Russia on the basis of mutual respect and I am sure this effort is not one sided.

Our two countries share common views and perception on many world issues, which is a manifestation of understanding that exist at the political level and transcends the official level.

On this auspicious occasion it would be unfair not to praise the diplomatic efforts that have helped sustain the relationship through thick and thin and grow despite tumultuous changes the two great countries have undergone in recent years. Their hard work and dedication have brought us to witness a landmark occasion, which is due to fall on 1 st May – the 60 th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

Availing the opportunity I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to President-elect His Excellency Dmitri Medyedev in advance who will assume charge of the high office during the same in which the 60 th Anniversary is being observed. I wish him every success.

Reviewing the development of relations over six decades, I am gratified to see that in the last 5 years economic relations have taken a quantum jump. Trade which was in the range US$ 100m in 2002 was over US$ 500m in 2007.

Exchange of visits at the political level has provided much needed impetus to the bilateral relations. State visits to the Russian Federation have been undertaken by the President and the Prime Minister in 2003 and 2005, respectively, while Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov visited Pakistan in 2007. The Leaders have also been availing the opportunity to meet on the sidelines of SCO and UN meetings.

We, in Pakistan , are happy to note the significant growth in Russian economy and a more enhanced role by Russia in world politics. We see Russia as a vital player and stabilizing force at the global level. The Russian Federation also has a role in bringing about peace and stability in our region.

Pakistan attaches high importance to the regional groupings. We appreciate Russian support to Pakistan in acquiring the observer status in SCO. Likewise, Russia is also an observer at the OIC. Russia 's 22m Muslim population offers a good opportunity for not only religio-cultural cooperation between our two countries but also economic cooperation in Halal products.

There is an important growth in defence relations as manifested in the exchanges at the Command level, defence purchases and defence training. The latest in the series of cooperation was Russian engines finding its place in JF-17 aircraft, co-produced by Pakistan and China .

The bilateral dialogue between our two countries covers important and vast areas including strategic matters and cooperation against terrorism. Today Pakistan and the Russian Federation face similar problems of terrorism and extremism and we are both committed to see these evil eliminated.

We are delighted to hear that a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Pakistan has been established in the State Duma. For our part, we are also in the process of establishing a Friendship Group for Russia . I Hope this will promote parliamentary cooperation that already exists.

Gazprom's involvement in Pakistan-Iran Gaspipeline and in other upstream and downstream energy sector projects, Joint Venture of Kamaz Truck production provide space for expansion in bilateral ties. Given Pakistan 's important geo-strategic location at the crossroads of Central, South and West Asia there are opportunities for neighbours like Russia to reap the benefits of economic activities that would be unfolding in near future.

I am deeply touched by the emotions shown by the Russian people on the tragic assassination of my leader Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto and wish to convey our profound appreciation to them on my own behalf, on behalf of the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples' Party and the Government of Pakistan.

In the end, I would say that there are long distances to cover for cooperation in the political, economic, strategic, defence and cultural fields. We stand resolved to take Pakistan-Russian relations to new heights while expecting similar enthusiasm from the Russian Government and the people.

Long Live Pakistan-Russia relationship.

Pakistan Paindabad