# World Leaders, Envoys Reaffirm Strong Ties with Pakistan on Independence Day
**ISLAMABAD:** World leaders and foreign envoys have extended greetings to Pakistan on its **79th Independence Day**, reaffirming longstanding bilateral ties and expressing hopes for greater cooperation, peace, prosperity and stronger partnerships.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying relations between Moscow and Islamabad were progressing successfully.
Putin said the two countries continued to maintain productive cooperation in political, trade, economic and humanitarian fields while working together on important regional and international issues. He expressed confidence that both sides would continue efforts to broaden their partnership in the interests of their peoples and international peace and stability.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also conveyed their congratulations to President Zardari. According to the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman praised the “strong relations” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and highlighted their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across various fields.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement issued on behalf of the United States, extended warm greetings to the people of Pakistan and highlighted cooperation in **regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, trade and investment**.
Rubio said the Independence Day provided an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between the two countries and the enduring bonds between their peoples.
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also sent a congratulatory message to President Zardari, according to Qatar’s official news agency QNA. Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa similarly extended greetings to Pakistan.
Turkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz described Pakistan-Turkiye relations as being rooted in a deep bond between the two peoples, saying the relationship was strengthened by shared history, common values and mutual support.
Yilmaz also said the recent defence agreement involving Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had added a new dimension to Ankara-Islamabad relations.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry congratulated Pakistan and expressed Cairo’s desire to further deepen the historic friendship and strengthen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev also conveyed his warm greetings, describing Independence Day as a reflection of the courage, determination and resilience of the Pakistani people.
Khorev said Pakistan had followed its own development path over the decades while remaining guided by the ideals of its founding fathers. He highlighted the traditionally friendly and mutually respectful relations between Russia and Pakistan and expressed confidence that the two countries would continue expanding cooperation and mutual understanding.
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam extended his “warmest and sincere congratulations” to the Pakistani government and people, praising their resilience, unity and achievements.
He described recent developments in Iran-Pakistan relations as a **“historic turning point”**, saying a new era of hope and optimism had emerged in bilateral ties. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and wished Pakistan continued peace, security, prosperity and development.
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis also congratulated the people of Pakistan, wishing them unity and freedom. He said the European Union looked forward to continuing its friendship and partnership with Pakistan.
The Canadian High Commission highlighted the enduring friendship and people-to-people ties between Canada and Pakistan, expressing its desire for continued cooperation focused on peace, prosperity and inclusive growth.
Germany’s Ambassador Ina Lepel also congratulated Pakistanis on 79 years of independence in a video message, expressing hopes for peace, prosperity and development in Pakistan and stronger relations between Germany and Pakistan.
The messages from major international partners reflect broad diplomatic support for Pakistan and a shared interest in **deepening economic, energy, security, trade and people-to-people cooperation** in the years ahead.
Story by Jamila Achakzai
