Pakistan and Russia vow to enhance their bilateral cooperation

Ambassador Zamir N. Kabulov, Russian President’s Special Envoy on Afghanistan, called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House here today and said that enormous commonalities existed between Pakistan and Russia on regional issues and bilateral cooperation.  

The Ambassador said that Russian President Vladmir Putin looked forward to a productive visit to Pakistan and discussions with the Pakistani leadership on a wide range of issues. He said that visit of the Russian President would be instrumental in further enhancing bilateral and multifaceted cooperation between both countries.

The PM recalled his meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of SCO in which he offered cooperation and assistance for up-gradation of Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi.

He said that Pakistan was keen to further promote cooperation in the fields of defence, energy, narcotics control, and trade.

The PM said that Pakistan considered Russia as a source of stability and peace both at the regional and global levels and underscored the importance of frequent exchanges at highest level including that of Foreign Ministers of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation as there is convergence of views between both countries on almost all issues.  

He added that he was looking forward to President Putin’s visit to Pakistan, adding that the visit would help further deepen and broaden the bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan welcomed Russian interest in the Iran-Pakistan Pipeline Project as two sides have had very good meetings on the project and some specific proposals had been discussed in this regard.  

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan also welcomed Russia’s interest in trans-regional energy projects such as CASA-1000 and TAPI, adding President Zardari was looking forward to his meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit (June 6-7 2012).  

The Prime Minister mentioned that on President Karzai’s request, he issued a public appeal on 24 February to all militant groups to negotiate with the Afghan government.  

The meeting of Trilateral Core Group consisting of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US, which was held last month, yielded positive outcomes, he added.

 The Prime Minister also appreciated Russia for its full support to Pakistan in its endeavours to become full member of the SCO.