Pakistan seeks Russia's support for BRICS bid

Speaker Matvienko holds talks with president

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Russia on Monday reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties in areas of trade, commerce, investment, agriculture and energy for the mutual benefit of the two countries, while Islamabad sought Moscow's support for its efforts to join BRICS group.

To promote the bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, a Russian parliamentary delegation, led by Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistani parliament.

Speaker Matvienko held separate meetings with President Asif Zardari and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani. In the meetings, the Russian Speaker emphasised that her country accorded priority to its relationship with Pakistan.

Welcoming the Russian delegation at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president highlighted the historical relationship between Pakistan and Russia.

He pointed out that both countries had enormous potential for increasing economic cooperation and called for Russian investment in Pakistan.

The president fondly recalled his recent pleasant interaction with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Ashgabat. He also sought Russia's support for Pakistan's bid to become a member of BRICS that would greatly help Pakistan enhance its role in regional and global cooperation through the alliance.

Earlier, Matvienko called on the Senate chairman at the Parliament House.

Gilani stressed the importance of direct business ties and the need for timely execution of projects under the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific Cooperation. He also said that Pakistan sought Russian support to secure BRICS membership.

Matvienko said that Russia treated Pakistan's interest in deepening its cooperation with BRICS with due attention and support. Later, both sides signed a historic MoU, followed by notable statements signifying new chapter in Pakistan- Russian relations.