Establishment of Pakistan Steel Mills as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, says Russian Consul General         A general view of the deserted hot strip mill department of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) on the outskirts of Karachi. — Reuters/File

KARACHI: Russian Consul General Viktorovich on Saturday offered Russia’s help in reviving the Steel Mills in Karachi.

He participated in discussions at an event organized by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, which focused on Pakistan-Russia relations on Saturday.

The Russian Consul General said that Russia has always promoted peace in South Asia, citing the establishment of Pakistan Steel Mills as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, which was set up during Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s era.

Viktorovich mentioned that Pakistan was the first country with which Russia collaborated on diplomatic visas. Despite having three different governments in Pakistan over the past three years, diplomatic relations between the two countries remained unchanged. He noted that the leaders of Pakistan and Russia have been engaged in a continuous dialogue, discussing various sectors and exploring opportunities for collaboration. This ongoing dialogue is a testament to the stability and strength of their diplomatic relations.

He offered assistance in reviving the Pakistan Steel Mills and stressed the need for seriousness from the government and administration. He added that there has been significant progress in various sectors between Pakistan and Russia.

He said that Pakistan is a very close and important country for Russia. “Russia is ready to provide more gas and oil to Pakistan during the time of economic difficulty,” he said. He said they are thinking of new cultural projects in Pakistan.