In a significant meeting on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to expanding and enhancing bilateral cooperation with Russia. The discussions between Prime Minister Kakar and Russian President Vladimir Putin covered a wide range of crucial sectors, including trade and investment, energy, connectivity, defense, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism.
Emphasizing the need for regional integration as a catalyst for the economic development of the entire region, Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the convergence of interests between both nations, particularly on the issue of terrorism. He underscored the vital role that bilateral cooperation plays in establishing peace and security in Afghanistan and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to welcome Russian investments in the energy sector.
In response, President Putin articulated the inevitability of stability in ensuring economic progress and stressed that the potential for economic cooperation between Russia and Pakistan is vast. The Russian President pledged to take additional steps to bolster bilateral cooperation. Notably, he also discussed Russia’s commitment to global food security, outlining plans to provide free cereals to underdeveloped African countries.
The leaders delved into the prospects of enhancing Eurasian connectivity and Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional integration through the development of rail, road, and energy corridors. Furthermore, they exchanged views on regional and global developments, with particular attention to the evolving situation in the Middle East.
This year holds particular significance as Pakistan and Russia commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, underscoring the historic nature of their ongoing collaboration.
