ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports, with football and cricket identified as key areas for future collaboration.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah and Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev in Islamabad.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing sports relations and agreed to expedite the implementation of existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries in the sports sector. The discussions focused on enhancing institutional linkages, exchange programmes and technical cooperation.
Rana Sanaullah said that cooperation in football would be taken forward on a priority basis, adding that both countries were keen to explore new avenues for collaboration. He also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in other sporting disciplines, including traditional and popular Russian sports.
“Russia is a country with vast experience and strong capabilities in the field of sports. Pakistan is eager to benefit from this expertise while also sharing its own experiences to promote mutual growth,” the minister said.
Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev expressed Russia’s interest in developing cricket and said his country wanted to benefit from Pakistan’s rich experience and expertise in the game. He noted that sports could serve as an effective bridge for strengthening people-to-people contacts and fostering closer relations between the two nations.
The ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, particularly its role in encouraging dialogue and understanding between the United States and Iran.
Rana Sanaullah stressed that education, culture, economy and sports were important pillars for deepening bilateral ties and creating greater understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and Russia.
