ISLAMABAD: Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P Khorev has underscored Pakistan’s strategic location and its potential role in enhancing connectivity between South Asia and the Eurasian region.

In anticipation of the upcoming Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Day on May 29, the ambassador hosted a media briefing in Islamabad, presenting the EAEU’s progress over the past decade and addressing current geopolitical developments, a statement issued here said.

The ambassador provided an overview of the EAEU, a regional economic bloc comprising Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Together, these five nations represent a population of over 185 million and an economic output valued at $2.6 trillion, he said. The union, established in 2014, promotes economic integration through unified regulations, customs policies and coordinated efforts in sectors such as energy, industry, agriculture and digitalisation, he added.

Ambassador Khorev emphasised growing international interest in cooperation with the EAEU, which has signed free trade agreements with Iran, Vietnam and Serbia, and maintains over 80 cooperation agreements with organisations including the UN, ASEAN, SCO and CIS.

Belarus, which holds the current EAEU presidency, was represented by Ambassador Andrey Metelitsa.

A joint photo exhibition prepared by the embassies of Russia and Belarus showcased the milestones of EAEU development.

The ambassador also highlighted Russia’s recent Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War.

The event, held on Moscow’s Red Square, included military contingents from 13 countries and the debut of advanced drones and missile systems, he said.

The ceremony concluded with an aerial display featuring Russia’s elite fighter squadrons.

Addressing the conflict in Ukraine, Ambassador Albert Khorev detailed recent diplomatic efforts, including a 30-day unilateral Russian suspension of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which was reportedly violated over 130 times by Kyiv.

He criticised Ukraine’s rejection of proposed truces during Easter and Victory Day, claiming these refusals revealed a lack of genuine commitment to peace.

He further noted that direct Russia-Ukraine talks resumed in Istanbul on May 16, with both sides agreeing to a major prisoner exchange and committing to continued negotiations.

The ambassador acknowledged the role of the United States in facilitating the dialogue, particularly highlighting President Trump’s mediation efforts and recognition of NATO expansion as a key cause of the conflict.

The briefing concluded with cautious optimism about ongoing diplomatic progress while reaffirming Russia’s stance on addressing the root causes of the war for a lasting resolution.

“Ukraine does not need a ceasefire to move closer to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. It needs one to regroup and rearm with the help of European military and financial assistance. Donald Trump’s statement that Kyiv’s desire to join NATO was one of the causes of the conflict shows that he understands its root causes,” the Russian envoy told the briefing.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Belarus, Andrey Metelitsa, highlighted the strategic vision and priorities of the EAEU, emphasising the bloc’s commitment to deeper economic integration and sustainable development.

“The EAEU aims to create a unified market for goods, services, capital and labour. Its broader goals include the modernisation of member economies, enhanced competitiveness and improved living standards across the region,” he said.

The envoy said that under Belarus’ chairmanship, the EAEU is focusing on enhancing technological capacity, improving food security, completing a unified transport space and boosting digital cooperation.

Free trade agreements with Mongolia and the UAE are set to be signed at the upcoming EAEU summit in Minsk, while talks with Indonesia are nearing completion, the envoy noted.

“The EAEU continues to strengthen ties with global partners, including the CIS, SCO, BRICS, ASEAN and observer states, reinforcing its growing global footprint,” Andrey Metelitsa said.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2025