PM Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss bilateral relations
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan (APP) - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of their meeting in Samarqand, Uzbekistan on Thursday.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State, the prime minister said Pakistan was committed to expand cooperation with Russia across all areas of mutual benefit including food security, trade & investment, energy, defence and security.
The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
The prime minister thanked President Putin for Russia’s expression of solidarity and support for the people affected by the massive floods in Pakistan. He also shared details of the devastating impact of this climate-induced calamity.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction at steady growth of Pakistan-Russia relations, which were marked by strong mutual trust and understanding. It was agreed to convene the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) in Islamabad at an early date.
Appreciating Russia’s constructive role in Afghanistan, the prime minister said that both Pakistan and Russia had vital stakes in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He said that it was essential to intensify the pace of international engagement on Afghanistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support all regional and international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met on the sidelines of the meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The meeting focused on strengthening Pak-Uzbek ties in diverse fields for the benefit of the two brotherly nations.
PM Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, and senior officials attended by the meeting.
