Islamabad, October 16, 2024 – The Europe Today: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation and foster robust dialogue in key sectors including trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and education. The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Russian counterpart, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, held in Islamabad on the sidelines of the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the past two decades, discussing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining close collaboration on all areas of mutual interest, while also highlighting the importance of enhancing people-to-people relations through linguistic exchanges and boosting cooperation in the banking sectors to facilitate trade and investment between the two nations.
The Prime Ministers further agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), underscoring the growing alignment of their countries on global issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reminisced about his first official visit to Moscow, expressing a desire to transform the warm ties established then into a lasting friendship. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to deepening political, economic, and defense cooperation with Russia, highlighting the potential for a strategic partnership.
Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif extended his gratitude to Russia for supporting Pakistan’s bid for BRICS membership, viewing it as a significant step toward increased collaboration on the international stage. He also recalled his productive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana in July, where both leaders agreed on further enhancing bilateral ties.
Sharif emphasized the importance of establishing direct flights between Russia and Pakistan to improve connectivity and facilitate greater interaction between the two nations.
In response, Prime Minister Mishustin praised Pakistan for its excellent arrangements in hosting the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting and expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation. He expressed Russia’s commitment to elevating its cooperation with Pakistan to new heights, emphasizing the potential for even stronger ties in the future.
