ASTANA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asserted that Pakistan’s relations with Russia will not be affected by its ties with any other country or geopolitical situations, emphasizing the need to further strengthen relations with Russia.
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of boosting bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia. He noted that the diplomatic relations between the two nations are built on a solid foundation and congratulated Putin on his re-election as President, reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding friendly relations with Russia.
The Prime Minister pointed out the potential to significantly increase the current trade volume, which stands at nearly one billion dollars. He praised Putin for his efforts in promoting energy cooperation, mentioning that Pakistan has recently received an oil shipment from Russia and expressed the need to expand cooperation in this sector.
President Putin remarked that Pakistan and Russia enjoy excellent relations and attributed the enhancement in bilateral ties to strengthened trade relations. He emphasized the intention to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of energy and agriculture.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, participating in both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State and SCO Plus summits.
Upon his arrival at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Deputy Prime Minister Alibek Bekayev, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Nauman Bashir, and other diplomatic personnel.
