Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, met with the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin, today in Beijing, China.
Recalling their previous meeting in Astana in 2024, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress and expansion of cooperation over the past year. They agreed that relations between the two countries are founded on mutual trust, respect, and warmth.
Highlighting Pakistan’s emphasis on its relationship with Russia, the Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s readiness and interest in enhancing bilateral ties in trade, energy, agriculture, investment, defence, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He also noted with satisfaction the significant alignment of both countries’ perspectives on various global platforms. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized strengthening the institutional mechanisms established between the two countries.
He added that concrete initiatives, such as the proposed Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) flagship project in Karachi and investments in connectivity projects, would serve as symbols of Pakistan-Russia friendship for future generations.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s assessment of bilateral relations, President Vladimir Putin highlighted the rapid advancement of ties between the two nations. He stressed that promoting cooperation within organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization can play a key role in regional and global security and stability. Additionally, he reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Pakistan on various issues.
The leaders also discussed the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Ukraine conflict. They exchanged views on ongoing cooperation in multilateral forums as well as on longstanding issues of global concern, including Palestine and Kashmir.
During the meeting, President Putin extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to visit Russia.
