KARACHI: Russia and Pakistan share common values of unity, hospitality, cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence, while bilateral relations between the two countries are progressing on the basis of mutual trust, Andrey V. Fedorov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Karachi, said.
He was addressing a reception hosted by the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Karachi at local hotel to mark Russia’s People’s Unity Day.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Saeed Ghani, diplomats and members of the business community attended the reception.
Fedorov said People’s Unity Day commemorated the struggle of the Russian people in 1612 to defend their country’s independence against Polish invaders.
He said that during the historical period known as the Time of Troubles, Russia faced a dynastic crisis, foreign invasion, impostor rulers, famine, epidemics and civil uprisings.
He said that instead of surrendering to the circumstances, Russians formed the People’s Militia, which united patriots from all social classes around the principles of freedom and sovereignty.
Fedorov said the struggle paved the way for the foundation of modern Russian statehood. He also recalled the contributions of the militia’s leaders, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, whose legacy continued to guide Russia’s policies, decision-making and personal lives.
He said the central idea of People’s Unity Day was that everyone could contribute to their country’s prosperity and development for the common good.
He added that Russia had established a tradition of presenting state decorations and presidential awards on the occasion to recognise individuals from intellectual, creative and business communities for their contributions to strengthening national unity and serving their country.
Fedorov said people in Pakistan could also relate to the spirit of the holiday, as both Russia and Pakistan were hospitable countries where people from different backgrounds lived together in peace and harmony.
Referring to Russia’s cultural and ethnic diversity, he highlighted the performance of the dance troupe “Alabuga”, which came from Tatarstan, Russia’s largest Muslim region, at the reception.
Fedorov expressed gratitude to the people of Pakistan for their contribution to the development of bilateral relations, saying that ties between the two countries were based on mutual trust and progressing rapidly.
He expressed confidence that upcoming engagements, including the 11th Session of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, would bring further progress in economic, industrial, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026