ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (DNA): Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev on Sunday said Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight marked the beginning of a new era in human history, symbolizing mankind’s quest for scientific progress and technological excellence.
He expressed these views while addressing a wreath-laying ceremony held at the monument of Yuri Gagarin in Fatima Jinnah Park to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Albert P. Khorev termed April 12, 1961 a defining moment in human history, when Yuri Gagarin completed the first orbit of Earth aboard Vostok-1, ushering in a new era of space exploration. He said the historic achievement symbolized humanity’s determination to achieve technological excellence and pursue ambitious goals.
The ambassador paid tribute to the collective efforts of millions across the former Soviet Union whose contributions made the mission possible, adding that the milestone continued to inspire generations worldwide.
He also recalled that, as a tribute to the Soviet Union’s achievements in space exploration, a special session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 adopted a Russian-initiated resolution proclaiming April 12 as the International Day of Human Space Flight. The resolution was co-sponsored by more than 60 countries worldwide.
He further said that six months ago, in November 2025, during the 10th session of the Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, its co-chairs, Russian Minister of Energy Sergey Tsivilev and Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, inaugurated a bust of Yuri Gagarin at the same site. He noted that it was the first monument to a Russian personality in Pakistan.
The envoy said the installation of Gagarin’s bust marked an important step in strengthening bilateral ties and reflected the shared cultural values of both countries.
Additional Foreign Secretary Ayesha Ali, in her remarks, said Gagarin’s historic journey symbolized the boundless aspirations of humanity and continued to inspire people across borders and generations. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting the peaceful use of outer space and enhancing cooperation with Russia in diverse fields, including energy, education and cultural exchanges.
She noted that such commemorations not only honored historic milestones but also strengthened mutual respect and friendship between nations. “Space exploration is a shared human endeavor that requires collaboration, innovation and
a collective vision for the future,” she added.
The ceremony was attended by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Belarus Andrei Metelitsa, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Kylychbek Sultan, Ambassador of Tajikistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Toirali and Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev, along with representatives of CDA and SUPARCO.
Participants laid floral wreaths at the monument and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing international cooperation in science and space exploration.
