Pakistan, Russia vow to expand cooperation across key sectors

September 03, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has expressed keen interest in enhancing its relations with Russia across multiple sectors, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscoring trade connectivity, energy, agriculture, investment, defence, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges as priority areas.

The remarks came during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its ties with Russia and noted the similarity of approaches both countries share on various global platforms.

He also emphasized the need for regular institutional engagement and pointed to tangible initiatives, such as the proposed Pakistan Steel Mill project in Karachi and investments in connectivity, as lasting symbols of friendship for future generations.

President Putin, agreeing with the assessment, underlined the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and stressed the value of collaboration within organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which he said contributes to regional and global stability.

He reiterated Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan across a broad spectrum, according to the press release issued.

Both leaders recalled their last meeting in Astana, expressing satisfaction over the expanding momentum of ties during the past year.

They acknowledged that the present relationship is anchored in mutual trust, respect, and warmth.

The discussions also covered regional and global developments, including the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Ukraine conflict.

Views were further exchanged on cooperation at multilateral forums and on long-standing issues of international concern such as Palestine and Kashmir.

Concluding the meeting, President Putin extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay an official visit to Russia.

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