Pakistan, Russia commit to expand trade, defense ties

Pakistan and Russia have pledged to further deepen their mutual relations, with a emphasis on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade, defense, and energy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called on Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM).

During the huddle, the two leaders agreed to continue working towards deepening and expanding Pakistan-Russia relations, with a focus on growing bilateral understanding and cooperation.

They also discussed recent regional and global developments, with Ishaq Dar congratulating Lavrov on the successful and peaceful election process in Russia.

Expressing satisfaction over the positive direction of Pakistan-Russia relations, the foreign minister welcomed the increasing cooperation between the two nations.

The two sides agreed to hold the 9th session of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in Moscow later this year, aimed at further boosting bilateral ties.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthen their partnership, with a focus on economic, trade, and strategic cooperation.

Dar, Wang Yi agree to bolster mutually beneficial cooperation

On the other hand, Pakistan's FM and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation and high-quality development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister met the Chinese foreign minister on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Astana, Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X account.

They exchanged felicitations on the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, which have grown into an ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’.