Putin and Shehbaz Sharif Discuss Russia-Pakistan Cooperation and Trade

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• 🤝 Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral relations after their previous meeting at the SCO summit in Astana.
• 🌍 Putin highlighted Pakistan as a traditional partner in Asia, emphasizing the value Russia places on their developing relationship.
• ✅ Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in their joint, sincere efforts to promote relations, particularly in commerce and trade.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

• 📉 Putin noted a slight decrease in trade turnover due to objective circumstances, indicating a need to analyze and improve the situation.
• ⛽ Bilateral trade saw a spike last year primarily due to Pakistan's oil imports from Russia.
• ✍️ Protocols were signed to promote cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport, specifically mentioning a corridor through Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Regional and International Engagement

• 🌐 Both leaders discussed ongoing cooperation at interparliamentary and international levels, with Pakistan serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
• ⚖️ Shehbaz Sharif thanked Putin for supporting Pakistan and for Russia's balancing act in the region.
• 🤝 Pakistan aims to build very strong and complementary relations with Russia for the progress and prosperity of the region, while respecting Russia's relationship with India.

Future Engagements

• 🗓️ Putin extended an invitation for Shehbaz Sharif to visit Moscow in November for events within the framework of the SCO.
• ✈️ Shehbaz Sharif expressed his eagerness to visit Moscow, stating he would be very happy to be there.
• 🎯 Both leaders conveyed a mutual commitment to work closely together for the good of their nations and the region.