Speeches

On June 12, 2009, the Russian Federation will celebrate its national day – the Day of Russia, which is 19 years old. It was conceived at a difficult and heady time when our country was facing a very important historic choice. And we not only consciously adopted it but survived the difficult years that involved becoming a new democratic Russia.

The origins of this public holiday are there, in that choice of the Russian people. But its roots go deep into the history of our country and the long-standing desire of our people for freedom and independence, for a national unity conceived in the name of freedom, civilized development of the country and a better life for its citizens.
And today we may proudly say: a lot has been successfully done to achieve this goal. We have laid a solid foundation for steady economic progress. Most importantly, we have managed to improve the quality of our people’s lives, standards of living in Russia have gone up considerably. Being firmly convinced that real strength of any state ultimately resides in its nationals, the Russian Government has ensured unhindered access to healthcare and education for each Russian citizen, developed state-backed programs stimulating their intellectual and creative growth.

Despite the severe global financial crisis Russia stays economically and politically strong. The investment climate and conditions for business activities in our country remain favorable. Noteworthy, by the end of 2008 Russian investments abroad constituted USD 91.3 billion and for the first time in recent years surpassed foreign investment inflow. A coordinated action was undertaken by the President and the Government of Russia to devise together with other nations effective measures aimed at lessening the world recession’s adverse consequences.

Russia pursues a dynamic foreign policy both at the regional as well as the global level. She does not have imperialistic designs but she does have her own national interests. Our country fully recognizes its responsibility for maintenance of world security and is prepared to constructively cooperate with other responsible nations to find solutions to numerous challenges the humankind is being confronted with. We strongly believe that today’s challenges and threats – such as international terrorism and religious extremism, drug trafficking, spread of weapons of mass destruction and means of their delivery, regional conflicts, global poverty – are universal problems requiring a concerted and consistent response from the whole international community.

Russia pays special attention to the development of her relationship with Islamic countries, the Muslim Ummah. In 2005 we became an observer at the OIC. Today I avail this opportunity to once again thank our Pakistani friends as well as partners from other friendly Muslim nations who supported our candidature. We intend to further strengthen our cooperation with the Organization and its member states. In this context I would like to quote my Minister, Sergey Lavrov, who said that Russia considers herself as an integral part of the Islamic world, and she will not let anyone to drive a wedge between her and the Muslim Ummah. It is also worth mentioning that there are more than 20 million Muslims living in Russia – in a free country where every religion is sacred and being respected. We have got 4750 mosques including the largest in Europe which is called “The Heart of Chechnya”.

Among our high priorities is steady development of partnership relations with Pakistan. This aim was clearly reflected in Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept approved by President Medvedev in July 2008. In recent years a solid foundation has been laid to maintain and further enhance mutually beneficial Russian-Pakistani cooperation in the world arena. Our countries actively interact in solving pressing international problems, support each other and cooperate within the framework of such key international organizations as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. One illustrative example of such cooperation is Russia and Pakistan’s significant contribution to the success of the special international Conference on Afghanistan held under the aegis of the SCO in Moscow in March, 2009. At that forum regional countries adopted a concrete plan of actions which will undoubtedly give a positive impetus to the Afghanistan settlement process.

Russia and Pakistan remain partners in global struggle against international terrorism and religious extremism. We appreciate the role of the Pakistani Government taking steps to eradicate this menace from the Pakistani soil and establish the writ of state all over the country, though we do understand that this is not an easy task to accomplish.

Positive trends in bilateral economic cooperation have also become more visible. For instance the bilateral trade turnover has increased and reached USD 600 million. But, speaking frankly, this is a meager figure taking into account the vast potential for growth of our trade, economic and investment ties. We can and must do a lot more. In our view the recently formed Russian-Pakistani Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation could give a necessary practical impulse to our economic partnership. We hope that this body will start its work as soon as possible helping turn into reality mutually beneficial projects in the field of energy, oil and gas, transport infrastructure, etc. There is a long road ahead but we are sure we will make it.

We are absolutely confident that further strengthening multi-faceted cooperation and partnership bonds between Russia and Pakistan not only fully meets the interests of Russian and Pakistani people but also promotes regional peace and prosperity.

It is an honour and a privilege for me to address to the newspaper’s readers as well as Pakistani people as a whole on the auspicious occasion of the Day of Russia, which our country celebrates on June 12, 2009. On this very day nineteen years ago the First Congress of People’s Deputies of the then Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic passed the resolution proclaiming its sovereignty which a year later became a foundation for establishment of the Russian Federation as an independent and democratic state.

Our basic priorities nowadays are to address the after-effects of the global economic and financial crisis, to further economic reforms, to create an effective and competitive market economy, to ensure the human rights and enhance the role of the civil society and good governance.

Proactively safeguarding its national interests in the world arena, the Russian Federation is consistently upgrading its stance within the international community and has definitely established itself as one of the world’s leading nations. Our activities are guided by the new Concept of Foreign Policy, which has provided continuity to the country’s foreign policy at this crucial stage of world development. Its vital principals are pragmatism, multi-track approach, compatible with non-confrontational promotion of our national interests, which helps to set a positive international agenda.

Russia and Pakistan are bound together by historical ties of friendship and respect, mutual sympathy and esteems as well as similarities in their approaches to principal issues of the contemporary international politics. Both countries are convinced supporters of a multipolar and balanced international order as a precondition to further peaceful development of all countries over the world.

As you can see, Russia is confident in Pakistan’s capacity to move forward. I wish to take this opportunity to praise Pakistan’s strains in maintaining peace, security and stability, promoting its economy and human resources and enhancing the prestige of the country in the region, as well as globally. I also wish to mention a joint struggle against our common threat – international terrorism. Russia appreciates the role Pakistan plays in antiterrorist coalition and its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. We do realise that it is not an easy task for the Pakistani leadership and do support its policies aimed at the preserving unity and stability of the country.

Undoubtedly, the world financial crisis couldn’t help but affecting our bilateral relations especially in cultural and tourist spheres resulting in drastical decrease of the number of tourists and businessmen visiting both countries. Still, there are some favorable signs emerge this year. Last March a delegation of the Russian State Duma (Parliament) visited Pakistan. In Karachi it had a meeting with Mr. Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the Speaker of Sindh Assembly, as well as the leadership of the FPCCI and local businessmen. Bilateral trade turnover reached $615.6 million in 2008. That is 1.7 times higher than in 2007. A number of photo exhibitions dedicated to the past and the present history of the Russian Federation, “Year of family”, “Victory Day” went off successfully in Russian Friendship House in Karachi. A large significance for strengthening mutual understanding and boosting people-to-people contacts has an agreement on “The Programme of Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchanges between Pakistan and Russian Federation for 2007-2009”.

It is worth mentioning that our countries have a substantial potential for the development of our relations which lies not only in a traditional trade but also in an economic cooperation. In this regard our joint priority is to substantially broaden economic component of mutual relations. There is a vast yet untapped potential for developing joint projects in different fields ranging from exploration of oil and gas to upgrading of Paksteel Mills, motor and rail transport development, production of chemical fertilisers, machines and trucks. Russia is capable to deliver complete set of equipment, modern industrial technologies and render technical assistance at a competitive price and of a proper quality. Russian companies could have increased their supply of crops, particularly wheat, along with agritechnologies to increase an efficiency of farming production.

Pakistan is considering Russia as one of its major export countries and offers an increase in the volume of traditional export produce such as textile, rice, fruits, carpets, footwear and furniture. Some companies are ready to enter the Russian market and export cement and marble. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan proactively engaged in exchange of business and trade delegations between our countries. Besides, I hope that newly established Pakistan Russian Business Forum would push forward trade relations and strengthen bilateral business contacts, making them more effective to our mutual benefit.

With the help of the Consulate’s staff, our fellows from the Trade Mission and the Cultural Center I will do my best to realise projects meant to enhance cooperation in trade, economic and cultural spheres, which I am confident would be beneficial to the interests of the peoples of our countries, regional stability and security.
Availing this opportunity I would like to extend my deep gratitude to all who have contributed to the publication of this special Supplement as well as the best wishes of success, peace and prosperity to the Government and friendly people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

It is an honour and a privilege for me to address to the newspaper’s readers as well as Pakistani people as a whole on the auspicious occasion of the Day of Russia, which our country celebrates on June 12, 2009. On this very day nineteen years ago the First Congress of People’s Deputies of the then Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic passed the resolution proclaiming its sovereignty which a year later became a foundation for establishment of the Russian Federation as an independent and democratic state.

Our basic priorities nowadays are to address the after-effects of the global economic and financial crisis, to further economic reforms, to create an effective and competitive market economy, to ensure the human rights and enhance the role of the civil society and good governance.

Proactively safeguarding its national interests in the world arena, the Russian Federation is consistently upgrading its stance within the international community and has definitely established itself as one of the world’s leading nations. Our activities are guided by the new Concept of Foreign Policy, which has provided continuity to the country’s foreign policy at this crucial stage of world development. Its vital principals are pragmatism, multi-track approach, compatible with non-confrontational promotion of our national interests, which helps to set a positive international agenda.

Russia and Pakistan are bound together by historical ties of friendship and respect, mutual sympathy and esteems as well as similarities in their approaches to principal issues of the contemporary international politics. Both countries are convinced supporters of a multipolar and balanced international order as a precondition to further peaceful development of all countries over the world.

As you can see, Russia is confident in Pakistan’s capacity to move forward. I wish to take this opportunity to praise Pakistan’s strains in maintaining peace, security and stability, promoting its economy and human resources and enhancing the prestige of the country in the region, as well as globally. I also wish to mention a joint struggle against our common threat – international terrorism. Russia appreciates the role Pakistan plays in antiterrorist coalition and its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. We do realise that it is not an easy task for the Pakistani leadership and do support its policies aimed at the preserving unity and stability of the country.

Undoubtedly, the world financial crisis couldn’t help but affecting our bilateral relations especially in cultural and tourist spheres resulting in drastical decrease of the number of tourists and businessmen visiting both countries. Still, there are some favorable signs emerge this year. Last March a delegation of the Russian State Duma (Parliament) visited Pakistan. In Karachi it had a meeting with Mr. Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the Speaker of Sindh Assembly, as well as the leadership of the FPCCI and local businessmen. Bilateral trade turnover reached $615.6 million in 2008. That is 1.7 times higher than in 2007. A number of photo exhibitions dedicated to the past and the present history of the Russian Federation, “Year of family”, “Victory Day” went off successfully in Russian Friendship House in Karachi. A large significance for strengthening mutual understanding and boosting people-to-people contacts has an agreement on “The Programme of Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchanges between Pakistan and Russian Federation for 2007-2009”.

It is worth mentioning that our countries have a substantial potential for the development of our relations which lies not only in a traditional trade but also in an economic cooperation. In this regard our joint priority is to substantially broaden economic component of mutual relations. There is a vast yet untapped potential for developing joint projects in different fields ranging from exploration of oil and gas to upgrading of Paksteel Mills, motor and rail transport development, production of chemical fertilisers, machines and trucks. Russia is capable to deliver complete set of equipment, modern industrial technologies and render technical assistance at a competitive price and of a proper quality. Russian companies could have increased their supply of crops, particularly wheat, along with agritechnologies to increase an efficiency of farming production.

Pakistan is considering Russia as one of its major export countries and offers an increase in the volume of traditional export produce such as textile, rice, fruits, carpets, footwear and furniture. Some companies are ready to enter the Russian market and export cement and marble. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan proactively engaged in exchange of business and trade delegations between our countries. Besides, I hope that newly established Pakistan Russian Business Forum would push forward trade relations and strengthen bilateral business contacts, making them more effective to our mutual benefit.

With the help of the Consulate’s staff, our fellows from the Trade Mission and the Cultural Center I will do my best to realise projects meant to enhance cooperation in trade, economic and cultural spheres, which I am confident would be beneficial to the interests of the peoples of our countries, regional stability and security.
Availing this opportunity I would like to extend my deep gratitude to all who have contributed to the publication of this special Supplement as well as the best wishes of success, peace and prosperity to the Government and friendly people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

On 12th June 2009, Russian federation celebrates its 19th national day. On behalf of Pakistan Russia business forum I have the honour to express my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the government and people of the Russian federation.

Specially to convey my heartiest greetings to H.E. Mr. Dmitry Medvedev President H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, Premier Minister, all the members of parliament (duma), all ministers of cabinet, H.E. Mr. Andrey S. Budnik Ambassador of Russian Federation in Pakistan H.E. Mr. Rishat N. Khalikov, trade representative of Russian Federation, in Pakistan, Islamabad, H.E. Mr. Vladimir V. Seliverstov, Consul General of Consulate of Russian federation, Karachi, Mr. Sergey A. Plyushchov, Dy. Head of Trade Representative in Karachi and all diplomats, staff members of embassy, consulate general and trade representative offices in Islamabad and Karachi.

During past 19 years period, time was an epochal event for Russian federation whose national state system had started on road to recovery and transformation with evolutionary policies at the threshold of 21st. century. The path of development chosen by leaders of Russian federation at the beginning of the independent democratic Russian federation and the viability of its goal are confirmed by the tangible results of the gradual and consistent social and economic reforms.

Russia besides Russians and other sects has a population of over 20 million Muslims and chain of over 4500 mosques. Russia has developed excellent relationship with Islamic countries and supports solving pressing international problems within the framework of the united nations, sco (shanghai cooperation organization) such as eradication of threats and challenges faced by mankind of international terrorism, religious extremism, spread of weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking, regional and global conflicts and arresting poverty internationally.

Diplomatic relations with Pakistan are successfully developing at the regional and international levels. Cooperation between Pakistan and the Russian federation is cordial and constructive. In order to promote bilateral relations in trade, social cultural, educational, technical, scientific, industrial, tourism etc. between Pakistan and Russian federation, like-minded businessmen from Pakistan have founded in Pakistan “Pakistan- Russia business forum” in April 2009.Foreign trade between Russia and Pakistan averages USD 600 million annually.

The main Russian exports goods to Pakistan are wheat, production of the chemical industry (fertilizers, rubber, plastic), the machine equipment and helicopters, wood, pulp and paper items (paper, cardboard), ferrous and non ferrous metals.

The basic goods of the Russian import from Pakistan are textile production (cotton, synthetic fibre), food (citrus, rice), the medical equipment and surgical tools, leather products, pharmaceutical production, sports goods, jewels.

Present volumes of the Russian Pakistan trade and economic cooperation do not correspond to their real potential.Both countries have huge possibilities for expansion of mutually advantageous business relations.

Russia is interested in expansion of the business cooperation with Pakistan in agro, machine-building, power, metallurgical sectors, and also in sphere of industry and high technologies, oil and natural gas recovery and investment projects, communication and oil refining, public health services and education.There are also big possibilities for development of cultural contacts and tourist business.

The important factor for restraint of investment cooperation is delay with the beginning of the work of the Russian Pakistan intergovernmental commission on trade and economic, scientific and technical cooperation, and also delay with signing of agreements on avoidance of double taxation and mutual security of investments.
But a principal cause influencing the Russian Pakistan trade and economic relations is the difficult internal political situation in Pakistan and in the whole region.
we are confident that with the support of both the governments and sincere efforts from the business community through the platform of Pakistan Russia business forum we will endeavour to enhance the bilateral trade to a distinctive figure of more them us dollars one billion in very near future.

We hope that these close and fraternal relations between the two friendly countries may further grow in the future to come and both Pakistan and the Russian federation may achieve common objectives at national and international level.

I would like to congratulate on behalf of Pakistan Russia business forum H. E. Mr. Vladimir V. Seliverstov, Consul General of the Russian Federation, Karachi, for becoming the Dean of Consular Corps Sindh, Pakistan.

In the end I would not forget the whole hearted support received from H. E. Mr. Vladimir V. Seliverstov, Consul General of the Russian Federation, Karachi, Mr. Tariq Khalil, m/s. Bibojee Services (pvt.) ltd, Mr. Sohail Aziz, m/s. Nasa International, and Mr. Nadeem Khalid, m/s. Herbion Pakistan (pvt.) limited. Without whose contribution it would not have been possible to publish this supplement. Pakistan Russia business forum and I myself sincerely thank them all for their patronage.
Long live Pakistan Russian friendship