Moscow (Web Desk/Agencies): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that Pakistan intends to intensify cooperation with Russia in diverse areas including trade, economy, security, counter-terrorism, defence, as well as cultural, educational and people to people contacts.
Addressing a joint news conference, along with his Russian Counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday, he said strengthening relations with Russia remains an important priority for Pakistan.
“We believe that Pak-Russia relations not only serve our national interests, but also contribute to regional, global stability and security,” FM Bilawal said.
He said that Pakistan views Russia as an important player in the West-South and Central Asia.
FM Bilawal said that both countries were celebrating the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
He also mentioned the summit-level meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand as well as the 8th Inter-Government Commission held in Islamabad which focused on trade, economy and energy cooperation.
He said during their meeting, they also discussed bilateral cooperation at multilateral fora including the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
FM Bilawal said that Pakistan and Russia have good cooperation on Afghanistan and we aim to continue cooperation with Russia in realising common goals of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“We have a firm belief that all conflicts can be resolved peacefully and there are no obstacles which diplomacy cannot surmount. Ukraine conflict is no exception. Developing countries like Pakistan are facing negative consequences of the conflict in terms of economic impact,” the foreign minister said
He expressed the confidence that the strong tradition of diplomacy of the Russian state will help achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
To a question on Pak-Russia energy cooperation, the foreign minister said the incumbent government was committed to coping with the country’s energy needs.
“Pakistan valued its cooperation with Russia, the United States, and Europe and that the country consistently called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said.
FM Bilawal thanked Sergey Lavrov for inviting him to visit Russia and reiterated Islamabad's commitment in deepening relations with Moscow.
Addressing the joint news conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Pakistan and Russia will continue their efforts for peace in the region.
He said both countries have convergence of views on many regional and international issues.
Expressing satisfaction over the current status of military cooperation between the two countries, the Russian foreign minister said we will continue to support the regular military contacts including joint exercises, military training and anti-terrorism capacities.
The Russian foreign minister said elimination of terrorism from the region is directly linked with Afghanistan and we have agreed to use the capacities of Shanghai Cooperation Organization especially its contact group on Afghanistan for this purpose.
Condemning the terrorist attack in Peshawar mosque today, Sergei Lavrov stressed that fight against terrorism should be more active all over the world without any double standards.
The Russian foreign minister said that during the meeting they discussed building humanitarian, cultural and educational links.