Bilawal, Russian FM discuss bilateral cooperation in various sectors

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a telephonic conversation with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday and exchanged views on bilateral matters and growing cooperation in diverse areas.

Bilawal also renewed the invitation to Lavrov to visit Pakistan, a press release issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI). Recognising the importance of this initiative and its potential impact on disruption of global food supply chains causing food inflation and food-security-related challenges, the foreign minister underscored the need for concerted efforts to find viable solutions that would in particular benefit developing countries already under economic strain.

He expressed the hope that all parties involved in the BSGI would engage in constructive dialogue to revive the initiative.

In this regard, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s support for international efforts for restoring the deal by addressing the concerns of all sides.

The foreign minister informed his Russian counterpart about his discussions on BSGI with the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Turkiye, the US Secretary of State and the EU High Representative.

Foreign Minister Lavrov shared Russia’s perspective on the issue. The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact on the matter.