Pakistan’s relations with Russia not driving by any geopolitical contingency, PM Shehbaz tells Putin

ASTANA – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s relations with Russia are neither driven by any geopolitical contingency nor these are impacted by our ties with other countries.

The prime minister expressed the views during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana. 

Shehbaz Sharif said these ties have been on the positive trajectory over the last many years and this is a matter of great comfort for the two countries.

The prime minister, on the occasion, also expressed the desire to work closely with President Vladimir Putin to further cement bilateral relations.

He emphasized the need to overcome financial and other banking issues to expand barter trade between Pakistan and Russia.

He said Pakistan has long business relations with Russia. He recalled that Pakistan used to import lot of machinery and goods from erstwhile Soviet Russia and export textile and leather goods under barter.

The premier further said the two countries can certainly enhance trade, which is at the moment, touching one billion dollars. He also commended the Russian President for promoting cooperation in the field of energy on his request. He added Pakistan has received a shipment of oil from Russia and there is a need to further move in this direction.