ISLAMABAD, 20 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Russia has offered to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev expressing hope for an early resolution of border tensions and the reopening of border crossings. Addressing the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Pakistan-Russia relations, the Russian envoy voiced concern over reports of terrorist infiltration into Pakistan from Afghan territory and the impact of border closures on regional trade. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow in counterterrorism and law enforcement following the recent visit of the Russian interior minister to Pakistan. He stressed the need to translate growing political engagement into practical cooperation to promote trade, student mobility and regional connectivity. Ambassador Tirmizi also called for stronger economic, educational and people-to-people ties between the two countries, emphasizing visa facilitation, direct flights and measures to address banking and payment-related constraints. He outlined preparations for a bilateral business forum, including advance meetings between companies, and discussed transport links through Iran, Afghanistan and China. The ambassador further emphasized stronger university partnerships, greater student exchanges and cooperation in science, engineering and agriculture, while highlighting Russian-language teaching, cultural exchanges and closer engagement between the media and creative sectors of both countries.