The meeting with Russia’s envoy highlights areas for potential cooperation, including energy and trade

In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has expressed a keen interest in enhancing cooperation with Russia across multiple sectors. During a meeting with Albert P. Khorev, the Russian Ambassador to Islamabad, Premier Sharif pinpointed energy, trade, and investment as key areas where the two nations could expand their partnership.

The dialogue underscored the mutual desire for closer ties, with PM Sharif emphasizing the importance of the upcoming 9th session of the Inter-governmental Commission (IGC) set to be hosted by Russia. He urged for an early convening of this session and invited a Russian delegation to Pakistan to explore avenues for augmenting trade and investment connections.

Recalling a previous encounter with President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand in 2022, PM Sharif reiterated his invitation for an official visit by the Russian leader to Pakistan, signalling the importance Islamabad places on its relationship with Moscow.

Ambassador Khorev conveyed Russia’s eagerness to fortify its relationship with Pakistan, highlighting shared interests in enhancing collaboration in not just economic spheres but also in education and culture. The exchange also touched on matters of international concern, with PM Sharif expressing condolences for the recent terror attack in Crocus City Hall, Moscow, and affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Russia during this difficult time.

This meeting comes at a pivotal time, following a letter from US President Joe Biden to PM Sharif, which indicated a readiness on the part of the United States to support Pakistan in addressing global and regional challenges. Despite a perceptible shift in US priorities post-Afghanistan withdrawal, the communication marks a significant gesture towards maintaining engagement with Pakistan, particularly in the context of regional security and counter-terrorism.

The discussions between PM Sharif and Ambassador Khorev not only underscore the potential for deeper Pak-Russia cooperation but also highlight Pakistan’s strategic role in regional geopolitics, balancing its relations with major global powers.