In meeting with Putin, PM Shehbaz says Pak-Russia relations stand 'on own strength'
1. Neither our relations are driven by geopolitical contingency nor are these impacted by relations with other countries."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, emphasized the independent and robust nature of Pakistan-Russia relations, underscoring the importance of boosting bilateral cooperation. The premier highlighted that the relationship between Islamabad and Moscow is not influenced by geopolitical contingencies or external relations but stands on its own merit.
PM Shehbaz, who is attending the twin Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State and SCO plus in Astana, Kazakhstan, stressed the need to address financial and banking challenges to facilitate expanded barter trade between the two nations. He noted the historical business ties with Russia, recalling the era when Pakistan imported machinery and goods from Soviet Russia and exported textiles and leather goods in return.
The Prime Minister pointed out that current trade between Pakistan and Russia is nearing one billion dollars and emphasized the potential for further enhancement. He praised President Putin for his efforts in promoting energy cooperation, citing the recent receipt of a Russian oil shipment by Pakistan as a positive step in this direction.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged the positive trajectory of bilateral relations in recent years and expressed his desire to work closely with President Putin to strengthen these ties further.
