BEIJING: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia across a wide range of areas during their meeting in Beijing.
PM Shehbaz and Russian President discussed critical regional and global issues including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Recalling their last meeting in Astana in 2024, both Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Putin expressed satisfaction over the significant expansion and momentum in cooperation between Pakistan and Russia over the past year.
According to the statement, the strong foundation of mutual trust, respect, and warmth that currently underpins the bilateral relationship.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his desire to enhance cooperation in sectors such as trade connectivity, energy, agriculture, investment, defense, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
He further noted key initiatives, including the flagship Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) project in Karachi and investments in connectivity projects, as enduring symbols of Pakistan-Russia friendship for future generations.
Russian President acknowledged the upward trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored the importance of collaboration through multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which he said plays a critical role in regional and global security.
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Both leaders exchanged views on ongoing cooperation in multilateral forums and discussed longstanding international issues such as Palestine and Kashmir.
President Putin extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for an official visit to Russia.
