Pakistan is actively working with Russia for membership in the BRICS alliance. Recently,
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Russian Federation
Council, in Islamabad, where they agreed that building bilateral ties is very important.
Zardari stated that including Pakistan in BRICS will significantly increase its role in regional and
global cooperation. The country applied for membership in BRICS back in November of last
year. Although it is not part of the group yet, Pakistan believes that membership could be vital,
providing access to development finance and increased trade opportunities.
Both sides committed themselves at the meeting to improving cooperation in trade, investment,
and energy. They stressed the need for diversified economic cooperation. Other areas of
discussion included improving regional connectivity through programs such as the Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI) and the North-South Transport Corridor.
The Russian delegation emphasized the importance of its relationship with Pakistan. Matvienko
expressed that her country attaches great importance to ties with Islamabad. She is hopeful that a
memorandum of understanding between the parliaments of the two countries will further
strengthen bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Russia were once on opposite sides of the Cold War; however, their relations have
warmed dramatically in recent years. They have engaged in various trade and business activities.
For instance, in 2023, Pakistan began importing discounted Russian crude oil, which has further
improved economic ties.
Pakistan aims to leverage its strategic location to enhance trade relations. The talks also
encouraged Russian investments in Pakistan.
In summary, Pakistan seeks to gain Russia’s support for BRICS membership, fostering mutual
prosperity and development.
“Pakistan Seeks Russia’s Endorsement for BRICS Membership as Bilateral Relations Deepen”
