Pakistan and Russia have agreed to intensify efforts to strengthen their relations to the mutual advantage of the two countries.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov following their formal delegation level talks in Islamabad.
Hina Rabbani Khar said there is broad national consensus in Pakistan in further strengthening and improving relations with the Russian Federation. She pointed out that this aspect is well-articulated in the parliamentary recommendations governing foreign policy of the country.
The Foreign Minister said the two countries had detailed discussions on bilateral relations both at economic and political planes. “It is their vision that the economic projects which were contributed by Russia in 20th century must see 21st century with Russian collaboration”, she said.
She pointed out that only recently the two countries signed three MoUs on expansion and modernization of Pakistan Steel Mills‚ cooperation in Railway sector and energy field.
She said the two Foreign Ministers agreed that it will be useful opportunity for Presidents of the two countries to meet shortly. She said the political leadership of the two countries has the commitment and resolve to strengthen bilateral ties. She said “today the two countries had an extensive review of the scope of cooperation within the economic framework”.
Hina Rabbani Khar hoped that in the next few months the two sides will be able to move beyond MoUs and go to specific projects within these areas.
The Russian Foreign Minister said they had fruitful exchange of views on a host of issues besides discussions on Afghanistan‚ Syria and Iranian nuclear programme.
