ISLAMABAD, Sept 3 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in trade, energy, agriculture and regional connectivity during their meeting in Beijing.
The prime minister lauded President Putin’s leadership and his commitment to improving ties with Pakistan, recalling their earlier meeting in Astana during the SCO Summit.
He said that the two countries had since exchanged several high-level delegations and signed protocols covering agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport.
Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the significance of a trade corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
He said Pakistan valued Russia’s role as a “balancing force” in the region and was eager to build strong relations that would complement Moscow’s ties with other countries, including India.
He also thanked President Putin for supporting Pakistan and accepted his invitation to attend the upcoming SCO Heads of Government Summit in November.
President Putin described Pakistan as a traditional and valued partner in Asia. He said both countries had agreed to intensify cooperation, particularly in trade, while also working together in the United Nations framework.
Offering condolences over the recent natural disasters in Pakistan, he expressed confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership to overcome challenges.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger ties in multiple sectors, with members of both delegations also present during the talks.
