FM departs for Russia to attend meeting of SCO's Council of Foreign Ministers

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi has departed for Moscow on two-day visit to attend meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The invitation to the Foreign Minister to attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers was extended by his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, who will also chair the meeting. Speaking to the journalists before departure, FM Qureshi said SCO is an important platform that provides numerous opportunities for progress, prosperity and regional connectivity. He said there will be several countries at the conference that have keen interest as well as link with peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said he will hold meetings with them on the sidelines of the conference. The minister said his meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister has also been scheduled. He said there are bright chances of promotion of bilateral relations with Russia in days to come. He said Pakistan looks forward for long-term multi-dimensional partnership with Russia. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Russia has interest in North-South gas pipeline project, which can benefit Pakistan. He said 1100-kilometer long pipeline will be laid between Karachi and Lahore, and this project has been delayed since 2015. He said the project will be discussed and some progress may also take place during the visit. The minister said he will also meet foreign ministers of various Central Asian Republics and discuss with them ways to enhance Pakistan's trade volume . He said Gawadar Port's role for progress and prosperity of the region will also be discussed.