Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has called Pakistan a “natural ally” of Moscow, reaffirming the two countries’ growing cooperation in trade, energy, and regional connectivity. Speaking during a meeting with Pakistani officials in Moscow, Overchuk said President Putin sees Islamabad as a key partner in the region.
Both sides discussed launching a pilot cargo train project in August 2025 that will connect Russia and Pakistan through Uzbekistan—an effort to boost trade and reduce shipping time. They also touched on reviving the long-stalled Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi with Russian help.
Pakistani officials described the visit as a step forward in deepening ties, not just economically but also diplomatically, especially with the upcoming SCO summit in August, where PM Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet President Putin.
The message from both capitals is clear: Pakistan and Russia are looking to build a broader and more reliable partnership for the future.
