Pakistan pursuing policy of peaceful neighbourhood: Nawaz

Reiterates resolve to establish strong partnership between Pakistan and
Russia in all fields; role of Qatar in regional stability praised

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said  on Sunday Pakistan was pursuing a policy of peaceful neighborhood and desired peaceful solution to all outstanding issues with its neighbours.

Talking to the President of Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House, Nawaz said longstanding bilateral relations were manifestation of a common desire to explore possibilities for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Russia. 

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM) Fawad Hasan Fawad and Additional Foreign Secretary Zheer Aslam Janjua were also present on the occasion. 

The prime minister reiterated his resolve to establish a strong partnership between Pakistan and Russia in all fields, as this cooperation would positively contribute towards promoting peace and stability in the region. 

Pakistan remains confident that its longstanding partnership with the Russian Federation as well as with its Muslim regions, including the Republic of Tatarstan, would witness significant progress in all areas of mutual interest, he said.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the prime minister for extending warm hospitality to him and his delegation and told him that the Tatar business delegation had held fruitful meetings in Lahore.

He expressed the hope that the Joint Business Forum with businessmen from both sides would develop mutually beneficial contacts and help in boosting bilateral trade. 

Cooperation in sectors including banking, Halal food, production of cement, automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, technology, culture and education, should be explored, stated the PM. 

The visiting delegation comprised Albert Karimov Deputy Prime Minister; Alexey Dedov, Ambassador of Russian Federation to Pakistan; Ms. Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of Tatarstan Investment Development Agency (TIDA); and Marat Gatin Deputy, Director of the Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, talking to a Qatari delegation, Nawaz spoke of Pakistan’s cordial and brotherly ties with the State of Qatar and praised the state for its role in regional stability. 

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, father of Emir of Qatar, and Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, former Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, called on the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif here at Prime Minister’s House.

The delegation of Qatar’s elders is on a goodwill visit of Pakistan. Welcoming the esteemed guests from the brotherly state, Nawaz said Pakistan and Qatar enjoyed strong brotherly relationship which will be further strengthened into sustained cooperation for the benefit of both the countries.