Pakistan is keen to expand trade, economic, energy, connectivity & security cooperation with Russia: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (SABAH): Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk called on Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed DPM Overchuk and his delegation to Islamabad and conveyed that Pakistan considers strengthening relations with Russia as an important priority of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan is keen to expand trade, economic, energy, connectivity and security cooperation with Russia and added that he looked forward to welcoming Russian PM Mishustin to Islamabad next month. The Prime Minister recalled that he had a very fruitful discussion with President Vladimir Putin in July earlier this year and conveyed his thanks to President Putin for sending the high-level delegation to discuss expansion of bilateral cooperation.

DPM Overchuk thanked the PM for the warm welcome and reiterated Russia’s resolve to deepen relations with Pakistan. He characterized Pakistan-Russia relations as constructive and mutually beneficial. The two sides agreed to maintain regular contacts. The Prime Minister also witnessed signing of a MoU between Russia and Pakistan, which signifies the shared understanding and desire of the two countries to further strengthen mutually advantageous cooperation in all areas of shared interest, especially trade, investment, energy, IT, agriculture, science & technology and education.