Pakistan, Russia strengthen ties with expanded cooperation in various sectors

Pakistan and Russia have agreed to pursue a robust dialogue and strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and education, as reported by Radio Pakistan on Wednesday.

This understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, held in Islamabad on the sidelines of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.

Both leaders discussed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, noting the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the past two decades. The two prime ministers agreed to maintain close collaboration in all areas of mutual interest.

They also committed to promoting linguistic exchanges between the two countries to enhance people-to-people ties, and to fostering increased cooperation between their banking sectors to facilitate trade and investment.

Additionally, both sides expressed a desire to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening political, economic, and defence ties with the Russian Federation. He also thanked Russia for supporting Pakistan's bid for BRICS membership, highlighting it as a significant step toward deeper global collaboration.

Shehbaz recalled his productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin in July in Astana, during which both leaders had agreed on the need to meaningfully enhance relations between their countries. He also stressed the importance of establishing direct flights between Russia and Pakistan to improve connectivity.

The Russian PM praised Pakistan's outstanding arrangements for the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting. He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their warm welcome and exemplary hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation.

Mishustin reiterated his desire to further elevate the existing cooperation between Russia and Pakistan to new heights.