PM Imran, Russian FM discuss bilateral relations, issues of regional, global importance

Russian Foreign Sergey Lavrov called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday and discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia and issues of regional and global importance.

Prime Minister Imran Khan fondly recalled his interaction with President Vladimir Putin during the SCO Summit in Bishkek in June 2019, where he had underscored his desire to take the bilateral relationship to a new level.

The premier reiterated the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority.

He expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, including deepening cooperation in trade, energy, security and defence.

PM Imran reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expeditiously conclude the requisite legal process for the “Pakistan Stream” (North-South) Gas Pipeline project and commence the work as early as possible.

Enhanced bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, industrial modernisation, railways and aviation was also discussed. It was agreed that the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), due to meet in Moscow later this year, would closely pursue specific proposals and projects in this context.

Read more: Pakistan-Russia talks mark the beginning of ‘a new era’: Qureshi

Views were exchanged on the health and economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The prime minister congratulated Russia on its development of Sputnik-V vaccine and underscored Pakistan’s procurement plans in this regard.

In the regional context, PM Imran stressed the importance of a negotiated political settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Pakistan appreciated Russia’s efforts in promoting the Afghan peace process including through the hosting of the recent meeting of Extended Troika in Moscow, the premier added.

With reference to the situation in IIOJK, Prime Minister Imran shared Pakistan’s perspective on issues of peace and security in South Asia, including the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Views were also exchanged on the situation in West Asia, the Gulf, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The premier reiterated his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.