Russia wants to build stronger ties with Pakistan: envoy

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Pakistan sought to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Russia in a number of areas, including energy, trade, and investment.

The prime minister offered heartfelt condolences for the loss of precious lives in last week’s Crocus City Hall incident near Moscow, saying Pakistan stands in solidarity with Russia during this awful time.

The prime minister conveyed these views during a meeting with Russian Federation Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, who had called on him, according to a news statement from the PM Office Media Wing.

The prime minister emphasized the importance of convening the 9th session of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) as soon as possible, as Russia will host the event later this year.

He also encouraged Russia to send a mission to Pakistan to meet with peers and discuss ways to strengthen the two nations’ current trade and investment ties.

While fondly recalling their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand in 2022, the prime minister renewed his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

He also thanked President Vladimir Putin for the message congratulating him on his re-election.

The Russian envoy informed the prime minister that Russia wished to strengthen relations with Pakistan and that, in addition to energy, trade, and investment, Russia was eager to expand cooperation in education and culture.

Both countries are also actively involved in the SCO.