Partnership with Russia to promote regional peace: PM

Nawaz meets visiting President of Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said Pakistan’s “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 interests.

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

He was talking to President of Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, who called on him at the PM House, according to the PM Office media wing’s press release.

While warmly welcoming the president of Tatarstan and his delegation to Pakistan, the prime minister said: “Longstanding bilateral relations are a manifestation of a common desire to explore possibilities for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.”



“Pakistan has been pursuing a policy of peaceful neighbourhood and wishes to resolve all outstanding issues with its neighbours peacefully through dialogue.”

President Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the prime minister for extending warm hospitality during his visit to Pakistan and informed him that the Tatar business delegation held fruitful meetings in Lahore.

The prime minister expressed the hope that the Joint Business Forum “will develop mutually beneficial contacts and help boost bilateral trade”.

“Cooperation in sectors including banking, Halal food, production of cement, automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, technology, culture and education, should be explored,” he added.

The visiting delegation comprised Albert Karimov, Deputy Prime Minister; Alexey Dedov, ambassador of Russian Federation to Pakistan; Ms Taliya Minullina, chief executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency; and Marat Gatin, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs.

Special Assistant to the PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Secretary to the PM Fawad Hasan Fawad and Zaheer Janjua, Additional Secretary, Foreign Office were also present.

Meanwhile the Tatarstan president also met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore and heaped praise on him during his one-day visit to the provincial capital.

The chief minister was at the airport to see off the visiting president.

Speaking on the occasion, the Tatarstan president said that the Punjab chief minister had won their hearts with his great hospitality and love.

“I have been overwhelmed with the warm welcome and generosity extended to me by Shehbaz Sharif,” he said, adding that “My days in Lahore are memorable and I am leaving Lahore with unforgettable memories.



“The love and respect that the people of Punjab and Lahore have given me is unforgettable.”

He also appreciated Shehbaz for rendering invaluable services for progress and development of the province and said “Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for development deserved praise and commendation.

“I am impressed by Shehbaz Sharif’s extraordinary administrative capabilities,” he added.

Former PM of Qatar

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan and Qatar enjoyed strong brotherly relationship which would be further strengthened into sustained cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

The prime minister was talking to Sheikh Hamad BinKhalifa Al Thani, father of Emir of State of Qatar and Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, former Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, who called on him at the PM House, a PM Office media wing said.

Nawaz expressed his good wishes for Emir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2017.