Pakistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic stability and bilateral cooperation during the 15th round of the Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability, held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
The meeting was led by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who headed a high-level delegation including Ambassador Albert Khorev and senior officials from Russia’s Foreign Ministry. Pakistani participants included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors; and Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC), who moderated the session.
Key Discussions and Shared Perspectives
The roundtable facilitated an in-depth exchange of views on various topics, including arms control, regional stability, and multilateral cooperation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the convergence of their views on global strategic issues and emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and institutional linkages. Discussions also covered developments in Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, as well as the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and cyber capabilities.
Strengthening Pakistan-Russia Relations
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations, marked by cordiality and enhanced mutual understanding. He underscored the shared interest in regional stability and an equitable multipolar global order. The importance of bilateral mechanisms like the Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was emphasized as a means to deepen strategic communication and collaboration in areas of common interest.
Commitment to Strategic Stability and Non-Proliferation
Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s commitment to its relationship with Pakistan and shared perspectives on international security, strategic stability, non-proliferation, and arms control. He acknowledged Pakistan’s commitment to nuclear responsibility and strategic stability in South Asia, including Islamabad’s proposal for a ‘Strategic Restraint Regime.’
Future Collaboration and Multilateral Engagement
The meeting concluded with both sides acknowledging the importance of continued strategic communication and cooperation across economic, security, academic, and think-tank domains. The shared commitment to fostering a multipolar global order rooted in sovereign equality and mutual respect was reaffirmed.
This consultative group, established in 2003, serves as a platform for structured dialogue between Pakistan and Russia on issues of strategic stability and has contributed to the strengthening of bilateral relations over the years
