Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan, highlighting the importance of expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. He made these remarks during a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Beijing.
President Putin expressed that Russia enjoys excellent relations with Pakistan and looks forward to deepening bilateral ties. He noted Pakistan’s current struggles with natural calamities, particularly the recent floods, and expressed sympathy for the losses caused.
Recalling their meeting last year in Astana, he emphasized Pakistan’s status as a traditional partner in Asia and reiterated both countries’ intention to intensify cooperation.
He also underscored the need to enhance bilateral trade and maintain inter-parliamentary contacts, while continuing coordination at the United Nations. Putin invited Prime Minister Shehbaz to the upcoming SCO Summit in Russia in November.
In response, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen relations with Russia, particularly in trade, commerce, and other areas of cooperation. He highlighted ongoing collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, and iron and steel, noting that last year’s bilateral trade saw a spike due to Pakistan’s oil imports from Russia.
He emphasized the importance of a regional trade corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to boost connectivity and prosperity.
The premier expressed confidence that both countries would continue joint efforts to enhance bilateral ties, while respecting Russia’s relationship with India.
He described the relationship as complementary and beneficial for regional stability and development. Accompanying PM Shehbaz were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz met Chinese President Xi Jinping, reaffirming the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. The premier stressed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, regional peace, and comprehensive dialogue to resolve longstanding issues in South Asia, including stability in Afghanistan.
