Geopolitical tensions will not affect Pak-Russia relations: PM Shehbaz

ASTANA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s relations with Russia will not be affected by its relations with any other country or by geopolitical situations. He emphasized that Pakistan needs to further strengthen its ties with Russia.

PM Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Pakistan and Russia need to further boost bilateral cooperation. He said that Pakistan-Russia diplomatic relations are built on a foundation of strength.

He congratulated Putin, on his re-election as President. He further added that Pakistan has longstanding friendly relations with Russia.

The Prime Minister said that the two countries can significantly increase their current trade volume of nearly one billion dollars. He also praised the Russian President for his efforts in promoting energy cooperation, noting that Pakistan has recently received an oil shipment from Russia and expressed the need to expand cooperation in this area, Radio Pakistan reported.

The Russian President highlighted that Pakistan and Russia enjoy excellent relations,” he remarked. “He attributed the enhancement in bilateral ties to strengthened trade relations between our countries.

He said that we will enhance our cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of energy and agriculture

Prime Minister Shehbaz is currently in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, participating in both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State and SCO Plus summits.

On his arrival at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, the prime minister was warmly received by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Deputy Prime Minister Alibek Bekayev, Ambassador of Pakistan to Kazakhstan Nauman Bashir, and other diplomatic personnel.

Read more: Interbank closing: PKR drops by 2.52 paisa against USD