CG Dr. Aleksandr G. Khozin celebrates Day of Russia at Karachi (VIDEO AND TEXT)

KARACHI: Ball Room of Hotel Pearl Continental here was the venue where Consul General of Russian Federation Dr. Aleksandr G. Khozin and Madame Valentina G. Kuznetsova hosted a state reception to observe the Day of Russia with compatriots and karachiites.

Soirée commenced with the national anthems of the two countries. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Khozin stated: Distinguished guests, dear friends, I am very much honored to greet you all today at the state reception dedicated to the Day of Russia.

Russia, our Homeland, is a vast country stretching from the Baltic Sea in the west to the Pacific in the east, from the Arctic Ocean in the North to the Chinese borders in the South; the country with 11 time zones, 146 min multinational and multi-confessional population; the country of rich natural resources and amazing beauty.

Our country has been through numerous critical times and severe trials, but its people met all the challenges with dignity and honor. In foreign policy our point today is based on the recognition of Russia’s special responsibility for universal security and global stability, this along with promoting national interests. We have duties of our own as nuclear power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. This says a lot. We introduce proposals on how to enhance predictability and trust in the field of international security.

In this respect, the increasing interaction between Russia and Pakistan both in international and regional affairs as well as in bilateral format is considered as an independent value.

Russia welcomes Pakistan joining the SCO in 2017 as a full-fledged member Pakistan plays a significant role in the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), particularly in moving forward anti-narcotics cooperation. In this connection, Pakistan expressed its readiness to organize on its territory training for the SCO executives.

2018 was the year of a number of Russia — Pakistan contacts within the framework of celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Foreign Ministers of our countries exchanged messages in connection with that memorable date. They noted with satisfaction the high level of Russian — Pakistani interstate ties based on the interests, as well as constructive nature of their cooperation in global affairs, consistently.

IN 2018 our two-way trade turnover resulted in $732 million, which is 191 million more than in the previous 2017. However, it is not an impressive exponent so far and by all means, it doesn’t meet the real potential of our cooperation.

One of them was the visit of the Russian official and business delegation from St. Petersburg headed by Vice Governor Sergey Movchan. As a result, there was signed the Road Map following the Agreement of October 2017 between St. Petersburg and Sindh Province. The content of the document foresees the realization of joint projects in the field of industry and trade as well as in education, science, and culture in the period up to 2021.

Our Pakistani partners were mostly interested in the suggested participation in the creation of the Light Industry Cluster on the territory of St. Petersburg namely in the creation of Pakistani Trade House. Besides, the suggestion to take part in the realization of HT projects in energetics also aroused interest. There is also a perspective of cooperation in solving the water supply, sewage and water purification problems in Karachi.

In the light of actuality of the tasks that stand before us in the way of promotion of Russian — Pakistani interaction in the above-mentioned areas, we call upon our Pakistani, specifically Karachi businessmen and companies, to actively get involved in putting the plans into practice. Our joint efforts are all for the good for mutually beneficial Russian-Pakistani relations.

Ladies and gentlemen, Greeting you today I sincerely wish you every success and achievements, optimism and self-confidence, sound health and happiness. I wish peace and prosperity to the people of Pakistan and Russia. I wish mutual understanding and happiness to peoples of our Mother Earth. Thank you for your kind attention. Enjoy the event. Happy Russia Day!

KARACHI: Consul General of USA JoAnne Wagner snapped with the Consul General of Russian Federation Dr. Aleksandr G. Khozin and Madame Valentina G. Kuznetsova.