Beijing: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, highlighting the growing importance of their bilateral relations.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum, witnessed the leaders engaging in discussions on mutual interests, the exchange of ideas on various subjects, and a resolute commitment to enhance economic prosperity within the region.
Russian President Putin underscored his country’s dedication to global food security and expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors. Notably, Russia has initiated a project to provide free grain to some of the world’s poorest African nations, showcasing its commitment to global welfare.
Recognizing the significance of peace and stability in Afghanistan, both Pakistan and Russia pledged to collaborate on fostering a secure environment in the war-torn nation. Both nations have long maintained a harmonized stance against terrorism and emphasized the need to counter this menace effectively.
The discussions also revolved around Russia’s inclination to welcome Pakistani investors in various energy sectors. Both leaders expressed a strong determination to boost relations across different domains and extend their collaboration.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the convergence of interests between Pakistan and Russia on the issue of terrorism. He called for enhanced cooperation and a common approach among the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, highlighting the need for intelligence sharing, defense collaboration, and effective counter-terrorism strategies.
On the subject of bilateral cooperation, Prime Minister Kakar noted that Pakistan, with its 240 million population, was an energy-deficient country. He highlighted the recent fruitful engagement between Pakistan’s Energy Minister and the Russian team during an Energy Week event in Russia. Concrete proposals for enhancing energy cooperation were discussed, reflecting the potential for significant growth in this sector.
Prime Minister Kakar also reminisced about his previous visit to Russia as a senator, where he was “mesmerized” by Russian architecture, particularly representing Christianity and churches. He noted that both countries shared cultural and ethical values, which are often not well-known beyond the region.
In his remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia this year. He highlighted the friendly bilateral relations and emphasized the immense potential for cooperation between the two nations. President Putin revealed that trade relations between Russia and Pakistan had been on the rise, with Russia supplying around a million tons of cereals to Pakistan this year.
The meeting between Prime Minister Kakar and President Putin marks a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, demonstrating their commitment to mutual progress and regional stability.
