PM Imran Khan, Russian President Putin discuss matters of mutual interest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan held an informal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 19th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday. They discussed the matters of mutual interest. Both leaders will hold one-on-one meeting on Friday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan gave an interview to the Russian media. He expressed the wish to reduce tension with India and enhance relations with Russia. He said that Pakistan wants to spend money on public welfare instead of weapons. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to attend the 19th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar. The prime minister will address two sessions of the SCO moot. He will have bilateral interaction with presidents of China and Russia in addition to other leaders on the sidelines of the forum. A number of decisions will be approved by the leaders besides signing agreements to intensify cooperation in diverse fields. The Leaders of SCO Member and Observer States as well as representatives of important international organizations will attend the meeting. Since becoming an SCO member in 2017, Pakistan has been actively participating at all levels in various SCO mechanisms, including Foreign Affairs, Defence, National Security, Economy and Trade, Science and Technology and Innovation, Youth and Women Empowerment, Tourism and Media.