Overview
- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk confirmed Moscow's support for Pakistan's application to join the BRICS bloc during a visit to Islamabad.
- BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE.
- Overchuk and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed ways to increase bilateral trade, which reached $1 billion last year.
- Overchuk also met with Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir to discuss broader economic cooperation.
- Pakistan has maintained a neutral stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, advocating for peace talks to resolve the conflict.