BEIJING (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of his visit to Beijing, with both leaders signalling their intent to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Russia. The encounter was marked by warm exchanges, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir also in attendance.
Putin conveyed his condolences over the destruction caused by recent floods in Pakistan, noting that the country faced severe natural disasters. He said he hoped the government would succeed in overcoming the crisis. The Russian leader also underscored Moscow’s desire to build stronger links across trade and other sectors, adding that the two countries have long shared positions at the United Nations and other global forums.
Sharif, in turn, welcomed Putin’s remarks, stressing that bilateral relations had grown stronger with time. He said Pakistan sought peace, development and prosperity in the region, adding that Russia could play a vital role in this process. He also highlighted Islamabad’s interest in boosting cooperation with Moscow in commerce and beyond.
Putin acknowledged a dip in trade volumes between the two countries but emphasised the need for corrective measures to revitalise economic exchange. He extended a formal invitation to Sharif to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Moscow in November, a gesture Sharif welcomed as a sign of deepening ties.
