Pakistan, Russia agree to enhance cooperation in trade, energy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.

This agreement was reached in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin. The Russian prime minister met the Pakistani premier at the Prime Minister’s House. They discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the last two decades. They agreed to maintain close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and on lingual exchanges between the two countries to enhance people-to-people relations and increase cooperation among the banking sectors of the two countries to facilitate trade and investment.

They also agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in the areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education, a statement issued by the PM media wing said.

Shehbaz recalled his first visit to Moscow, expressing a desire to transform those warm memories into a lasting friendship with Russia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening political, economic and defence ties with the Russian Federation. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Shehbaz also thanked Russia for supporting Pakistan’s BRICS membership bid, marking a step toward deeper collaboration on the global stage.

The prime minister also recalled his productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin in July in Astana during which they had agreed to meaningful enhancement of relations between the two countries. He also emphasized the need for direct flights between Russia and Pakistan for enhanced connectivity between the two countries.

The Russian prime minister appreciated the remarkable arrangements made by Pakistan for the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting. Furthermore, he thanked the government and the people of Pakistan for the warm welcome and exemplary hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation. He also expressed his desire to further bolster the existing cooperation between Russia and Pakistan to the next level.