Islamabad, February 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):​Prime Minister Imran Khan had a Summit meeting with President Vladimir V. Putin in the Kremlin, today [Thursday]. The two leaders held wide-ranging consultations on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

​Recalling the telephone conversations during the recent months between the two leaders, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the positive trajectory of bilateral relations will continue to move forward in the future. He said that the trust and cordiality marking the relationship would translate into further deepening and broadening of mutual cooperation in diverse fields.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan-Stream Gas Pipeline as a flagship economic project between Pakistan and Russia and also discussed cooperation on prospective energy-related projects. The Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to forge a long-term, multidimensional relationship with Russia.

​In the regional context, the Prime Minister underlined the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and preventing potential economic meltdown in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community for a stable, peaceful and connected Afghanistan. In this regard, he underscored the ongoing cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Russia at various international and regional fora, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

​On the situation in South Asia, the Prime Minister highlighted the serious human rights situation in IIOJK and underscored the imperative of peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The Prime Minister also highlighted the developments detrimental to regional peace and stability and stressed the need for measures that would help keep the regional balance.

​The Prime Minister regretted the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict. The Prime Minister stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest, and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically in case of conflict.

He underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.​​Expressing concerns on rising trends of extremism and Islamophobia in the world, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for interfaith harmony and coexistence. Appreciating President Putin’s understanding of the respect and sensitivities that the Muslims attach to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Prime Minister said that inter-faith harmony and respect for all religions was imperative for peace and harmony within and among the societies.

​Earlier on his arrival at Kremlin, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Russian President. The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including federal ministers Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Asad Umar, Hammad Azhar, Commerce Advisor Abdur Razzak Dawood, National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf and Member of the National Assembly Amir Mahmood Kiyani. This is the first bilateral visit by a Pakistani Prime Minister to Russia after a gap of 23 years and is being termed as a historic step to renew relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s also held meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak along with his delegation in Moscow today. Pakistan-Russia economic relations, with a special focus on cooperation in the field of energy, were discussed.

Highlighting the government’s reforms undertaken in different sectors with the aim of improving business environment, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that Russian companies and businesses would benefit from Pakistan’s improved business environment and invest in different sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Pakistan-Stream Gas Pipeline as a flagship economic project between Pakistan and Russia. The two sides also discussed cooperation on prospective energy related projects. Expressing satisfaction on current level of cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, investment, railways etc. both sides agreed that Inter-Governmental Commission was the pivotal platform to further advance specific projects.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister had an interactive session with notable businessmen of Pakistan and Russia over the dinner. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan as a market of more than 220 million provides opportunity for trade and investment. The Prime Minister stated that forthcoming Investment Conference to be held in March in Pakistan would be an opportunity for metallurgical, energy, construction and oil and gas companies to explore the immense potential in Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Advisor on Commerce and Trade Abdul Razzak Dawood also addressed the gathering. The Prime Minister along with a high-level delegation was on a two-day visit to the Russian Federation from 23-24 February 2022.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Moscow to pay tributes to the Soviet soldiers killed during World War-II. The Prime Minister laid floral wreath at the monument. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including federal ministers.

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