Ambassador Tirmizi calls for visa facilitation, direct flights to boost Pakistan-Russia ties at MGIMO business forum

MOSCOW, Sep 29 (APP): Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, on Tuesday highlighted connectivity and economic cooperation as key drivers of Pakistan-Russia relations while addressing the opening plenary of the International Business Trends Forum 2026 at MGIMO University.

The forum, organized by MGIMO’s Faculty of International Business under the theme “International Business Trends: Technologies, Markets, People,” has brought together senior officials, diplomats, academics and business leaders to discuss technological development, emerging markets and international economic cooperation.

The ambassador joined the opening session alongside senior Russian officials, business representatives and ambassadors of several countries.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Tirmizi said that as new power structures emerge globally, new patterns of trade are also evolving, requiring stronger partnerships and greater connectivity.

Speaking on bilateral ties, he identified visa facilitation, direct air connectivity and efficient logistics as three important enablers for expanding trade, tourism, business exchanges and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

He described Pakistan as a natural connector between Central Asia and South Asia, offering important land and maritime routes. He also noted that around 68 percent of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 26, calling this youthful demographic both an advantage and a challenge that demands investment in education, skills and employment.

The ambassador stressed the importance of bringing business and science closer together, particularly through stronger links between academia, innovation and the private sector.

Referring to the growing momentum in bilateral relations, he pointed to the expected visit of the Russian Interior Minister to Pakistan in October as another sign of sustained high-level engagement.

Ambassador Tirmizi also underlined the growing importance of regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, SAARC and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), in promoting economic cooperation, connectivity and regional integration. He called for effective use of these multilateral platforms to facilitate trade, strengthen transport and logistics linkages, and create greater opportunities for cooperation across South Asia, Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.

On the sidelines of the forum, the ambassador interacted with MGIMO students, exchanging views on Pakistan and the evolving international environment. He encouraged greater academic and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.