Russia offers mediation to help ease Pak-Afghan tensions

– Russia has offered to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Russian Ambassador Albert P Khureyev, while addressing the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad on the topic of Pakistan-Russia relations, said that he wants an early resolution of the border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the restoration of border crossings.

He expressed concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and the impact of border closures on regional trade.
Addressing the Institute of Strategic Studies, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has spoken of opportunities for cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow on counterterrorism and law enforcement in wake of Russian interior minister’s recent visit to Pakistan.

He emphasised the need to translate growing political engagement into practical cooperation that supports trade, student mobility and regional connectivity.

The envoy dilated at length on regional security and called for stronger economic, educational and people-to-people ties with Russia. Talking about trade and connectivity, Ambassador Tirmizi prioritised visa facilitation, direct flights and arrangements to address banking and payment constraints.

He outlined preparations for a bilateral business forum, including advance meetings between companies, and discussed transport links through Iran, Afghanistan and China.

He called for stronger university partnerships, greater student mobility and cooperation in science, engineering and agriculture.

He also highlighted Russian language teaching, cultural exchanges and closer engagement between the two countries’ media and creative sectors.