BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing where they discussed regional and global level challenges.
Recalling their meeting in Astana in 2024, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress and expansion of cooperation during the past year.
They agreed that relations between Pakistan and Russia are based on mutual trust, respect, and warmth.
The prime minister underscored that Pakistan highly values its relations with Russia and conveyed readiness to further enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, investment, defense, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
He also noted with satisfaction that the perspectives of both countries converge on many global platforms.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening existing institutional mechanisms between the two sides.
He highlighted that initiatives such as investment in the proposed Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) flagship project in Karachi and connectivity projects would serve as lasting symbols of Pakistan-Russia friendship for future generations.
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Agreeing with the prime minister’s assessment of bilateral ties, Putin highlighted the growing momentum of relations between the two countries.
He also stressed that enhanced cooperation through organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) could play an important role in regional and global security and stability.
He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across various areas.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
They exchanged views on long-standing issues and global disputes of concern, including Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as on continued cooperation at multilateral forums.
Putin extended an invitation to prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to undertake an official visit to Russia.