Beijing, September 2, 2025(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, met today with President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of his visit to China. Recalling their last meeting in Astana in 2024, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Russia relations and the significant momentum achieved over the past year. They acknowledged that the relationship is characterized by mutual trust, respect, and warmth.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening ties with Russia. He highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to enhance cooperation in diverse areas, including trade connectivity, energy, agriculture, investment, defence, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He also noted with appreciation the similarity of approaches between Pakistan and Russia on many global issues.
Underscoring the importance of institutional engagement, the Prime Minister called for regular dialogue through established mechanisms and emphasized the need to advance tangible initiatives, such as the flagship Pakistan Steel Mill project in Karachi and prospective connectivity investments, as enduring symbols of Pakistan–Russia friendship.
President Putin, agreeing with the Prime Minister’s assessment, welcomed the upward trajectory of bilateral ties and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan. He also highlighted the role of collaboration in multilateral organizations, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in promoting regional and global peace, security, and stability.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments, including the situations in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Ukraine. They exchanged views on ongoing cooperation at multilateral forums and on longstanding global issues of concern, including Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir.
President Putin extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to undertake an official visit to Russia, which the Prime Minister accepted with appreciation.