BEIJING/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday vowed to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation between the two Asian countries in diverse fields.
During the meeting in Beijing, Prime Minister Sharif noted that both countries are making sincere efforts to promote bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of commerce and trade, Radio Pakistan reported.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Russia saw a notable increase last year, driven in part by Pakistan’s import of oil from Russia.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Ukraine conflict. They also exchanged views on ongoing cooperation at the multilateral forums, as well as on the long-standing issues and disputes of global interest, such as Palestine and Kashmir.
PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening relations with Russia, emphasising that such cooperation is essential for the progress, prosperity, and stability of the region.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan-Russia relations are on a positive trajectory.
The Prime Minister noted that both countries have signed several protocols aimed at enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport.
Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for regular engagement of the established institutional mechanisms between the two countries. He further stressed that tangible initiatives such as the flagship project of the proposed Pakistan Steel Mill Karachi and investment in connectivity projects would be symbols of Pakistan-Russia friendship for generations to come.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said that after their meeting in Astana, both countries witnessed a flurry of delegations’ visits at the higher level.
The prime minister also underlined the significance of the trade corridor from Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which would give a spur to the regional connectivity and prosperity.
Russian President Putin echoed these sentiments, describing Pakistan as a long-standing and traditional partner of Russia in Asia.
🇷🇺🤝🇵🇰 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Pakistan @CMShehbaz held a meeting in Beijing.
📹 © Kremlin pic.twitter.com/peptbop5oE
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) September 2, 2025
Putin underscored the importance of expanding bilateral trade and highlighted ongoing collaboration at the inter-parliamentary level and within international forums.
President Putin also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting, scheduled to take place in Moscow this November.
The Prime Minister accepted the invitation.
President Putin also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the losses caused by the recent floods.
