VORONEZH, Oct 29 (APP): Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has become the first Pakistani ambassador to visit Russia’s Voronezh Region, an important step in widening Pakistan’s engagement with Russia’s regions.
During the visit, Ambassador Tirmizi met Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, agriculture, science, technology and tourism.
Governor Gusev warmly welcomed the ambassador and his delegation. He briefed them on the region’s economic and industrial development, its educational institutions and areas where it could work with Pakistan.
The talks highlighted Voronezh’s strong agricultural and industrial base and its potential for expanding trade with Pakistan. The region’s expertise in agricultural production, food processing, engineering, industrial equipment and veterinary sciences, the two sides noted, offers Pakistani businesses opportunities in imports, technology partnerships and joint ventures.
Ambassador Tirmizi pointed to Pakistan’s export potential in textiles, garments, rice, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and other value-added products. He encouraged closer contacts between the business communities of the two sides to identify opportunities for two-way trade.
The ambassador conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of strengthening Pakistan-Russia relations through closer business-to-business contacts, educational partnerships, student exchanges and tourism. He stressed the importance of greater engagement between Pakistan and Russia’s regions.
Both sides also explored cooperation in veterinary sciences, agriculture, engineering and technology, including partnerships between universities and research institutions and exchanges of students and faculty.
Ambassador Tirmizi thanked Governor Gusev for the hospitality and assured him of the embassy’s support in facilitating institutional and business contacts. The two sides agreed to remain in touch and pursue practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
