Vibrant Russian Folk Music Enchants Islamabad Audience
On Wednesday evening, the prestigious Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) auditorium in Islamabad witnessed an extraordinary cultural spectacle. The celebrated Lyudmila Zykina Russian Folk Ensemble "RUSSIA" performed for a capacity crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that delighted a jam-packed audience of diplomats, government officials, and cultural enthusiasts.
A Night of High-Level Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange
The dazzling concert was strategically held alongside the crucial 10th Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), serving as a vibrant showcase of the deepening ties between the two nations. The event was graced by the IGC Co-Chairs: Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev and Pakistan's Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.
Senior officials from both delegations were present, including Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Elena Grudinina and Deputy Minister of Energy Eduard Sheremetsev. Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, also attended the significant event.
Strengthening Bonds Through Music and Language
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P Khorev, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and introduced the esteemed musical group. He emphasized the vital role of cultural diplomacy in fostering closer bilateral relations, expressing hope that such exchanges would further cement the longstanding partnership. Ambassador Khorev reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to expanding cooperation across energy, trade, and culture.
The State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble held the audience spellbound with a breathtaking display of Russia's rich folk traditions. The hall resonated with vibrant melodies, including the evergreen classics 'Dark Eyes' and 'Pedlars', complemented by stunning traditional costumes and energetic choreography. The powerful performance earned a prolonged standing ovation from both Pakistani and Russian guests.
In a remarkable display of engagement, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev personally participated in the concert. He later expressed deep appreciation for the ensemble's outstanding performance, praising it as a vibrant showcase of Russia's cultural heritage that successfully bridged hearts between the two nations.
Educational Collaboration and Language Exchange Highlighted
The day's cultural exchange began earlier with a graceful ceremony hosted by the Federal Directorate of Education. In a special highlight, student Muhammad Aftab Khan delivered an impressive presentation in fluent Russian on the importance of the Russian language, earning warm applause from the distinguished guests.
Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Nadim Mahbub, and Director General of the Federal Directorate of Education, Syed Junaid Akhlaq, highlighted the growing educational collaboration and language-exchange programs. Russian Deputy Minister Elena Grudinina and Ambassador Khorev praised Pakistan's efforts in promoting Russian language studies and vowed to deepen academic ties.
The Russian delegation distributed prizes to students and took photographs with Russian-language learners, members of the Pakistani Abilympics team, and a delegation from NUML University.
A Prelude to Strengthened Cooperation
Both the concert and the educational event served as a dynamic prelude to the conclusion of the 10th IGC session, which is scheduled to wrap up on November 27, 2025, with the anticipated signing of multiple protocols and Memoranda of Understanding across various sectors. The evening concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to further cement cultural and diplomatic ties, signaling a promising future for Russia-Pakistan relations.
