Russia Offers to Help Ease Pakistan–Afghanistan Tensions
Russia has called for an early resolution to tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the reopening of border crossings.
ISLAMABAD — Russia has expressed its readiness to support efforts to ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khureyev calling for an early resolution to border disputes and the restoration of crossings between the two countries.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Khureyev expressed concern over the ongoing tensions, reports of terrorist infiltration from Afghan territory, and the impact of border closures on regional trade and connectivity.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, highlighted the potential for stronger cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow, particularly in counterterrorism and law enforcement, following the recent visit of Russia’s interior minister to Pakistan.
Tirmizi emphasized the need to translate high-level political engagement into practical outcomes across several sectors, including trade, student mobility, and regional connectivity.
He identified visa facilitation, direct flights, and resolving banking and payment-related challenges as key priorities for strengthening bilateral economic ties. He also stressed the importance of establishing a bilateral business forum and arranging meetings between companies from both countries to expand commercial cooperation.
On regional connectivity, Tirmizi highlighted transport links through Iran, Afghanistan, and China as opportunities to improve trade and regional integration.
He also called for closer cooperation between universities, greater student exchanges, and expanded collaboration in science, engineering, and agriculture. Other areas identified for cooperation included Russian-language education, cultural exchanges, and stronger engagement between the media and creative industries of the two countries.