BEIJING: Pakistan’ prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has affirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen relations with Russia for the good, progress, and prosperity of the region.
He expressed this aspiration during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.
PM Sharif said that both countries are making sincere efforts to promote bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of commerce and trade.
As a result of these efforts, bilateral trade witnessed a significant increase last year. He highlighted that Pakistan’s import of oil from Russia contributed to this growth.
PM expressed confidence that Pakistan-Russia relations are on an upward trajectory and moving in the right direction. He further mentioned that the two nations have signed protocols to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport.
Russian president Vladimir Putin said Pakistan has always been and remains a traditional partner of Russia in Asia. He emphasized the importance of expanding trade between the two countries.
President Putin also noted that Pakistan and Russia are collaborating at the inter-parliamentary level and on international platforms. He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the upcoming SCO Heads of Government meeting, scheduled to be held in Moscow this November. Pakistan’s PM graciously accepted the invitation.
President Putin also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the losses caused by the recent floods.
