Beijing (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, where both leaders expressed a strong desire to expand cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia across multiple sectors
Speaking ahead of the meeting, which was broadcast on national television, PM Shehbaz commended President Putin’s leadership and acknowledged his sincere efforts in advancing the relationship between the two countries.
He recalled their previous engagement during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Astana, noting that the understanding reached at that time had paved the way for deeper collaboration.
The prime minister expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Russia ties, especially in the areas of trade and economic cooperation.
He pointed out that last year saw a significant increase in bilateral trade, largely driven by Pakistan’s import of Russian oil—a move that substantially boosted overall trade volume between the two nations.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that relations between the two countries had steadily improved in recent years, crediting President Putin’s personal interest and commitment as a key factor in this positive development.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to take further steps to deepen cooperation and highlighted recent high-level exchanges and delegation visits following the Astana meeting.
He noted that these interactions led to the signing of important protocols aimed at fostering cooperation in agriculture, energy, iron and steel, and transportation.
Another key point of discussion was regional connectivity. PM Shehbaz drew attention to a potential trade corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He described this corridor as a vital initiative that could enhance regional integration and contribute to economic growth and stability across the region.
He also conveyed appreciation for Russia’s supportive approach towards Pakistan, characterizing it as a balanced and constructive role in regional dynamics.
While acknowledging Russia’s long-standing ties with India, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s intent to cultivate a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Moscow, one that would complement broader regional efforts toward peace and development.
He expressed his willingness to work closely with President Putin, whom he described as a dynamic and forward-looking leader.
Responding to President Putin’s invitation to attend the upcoming SCO Heads of Government meeting scheduled for November in Russia, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his eagerness to participate and continue the dialogue at that forum.
During the meeting, President Putin recalled his earlier discussion with Prime Minister Sharif about a year ago on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana.
He described Pakistan as a long-standing and valued partner in Asia, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. The Russian president acknowledged the need to further boost trade relations and proposed joint efforts to address challenges in this area.
President Putin also extended heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Pakistan over the devastation caused by natural disasters, including recent flooding.
He conveyed his hope that Pakistan would overcome these challenges under Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership.
The Russian president highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the two countries within international platforms, particularly the United Nations, where Pakistan currently serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.
He noted that both nations continue to engage at the parliamentary level and maintain active communication within multilateral frameworks.
The meeting concluded with expressions of mutual respect and shared aspirations for a more robust partnership.
Delegations from both sides were present, underscoring the high-level commitment to enhancing the strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Russia.