https://arab.news/9qpzc
- Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif meets Russia counterpart at SCO summit’s sidelines in Pakistan’s capital
- Islamabad has been eyeing increased connectivity with Central Asian states, Russia for economic progress
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed the need for direct flights between Pakistan and Russia to enhance connectivity between the two states, his office said, as Islamabad warms up to regional countries in a bid to improve its economic prospects.
Pakistan has recently pushed for enhanced regional connectivity with Central Asian countries and Russia in its bid to unlock mutual economic opportunities, particularly in energy, trade and infrastructure. The South Asian country hopes it can tap into its tourism potential and use its strategic geographical location to improve trade and cooperation with Russia and other states as it fights to ward off a prolonged economic crisis.
Sharif met Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit of the Heads of Government in Islamabad on Oct. 16. Both leaders discussed bilateral ties and economic prospects, Sharif’s office said.
“He (Sharif) also emphasized the need for direct flights between Russia and Pakistan for enhanced connectivity between the two countries,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
The two premiers noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia ties over the past two decades. Sharif and Mishustin spoke about bilateral cooperation and agreed to pursue “robust dialogue” and cooperation in trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education sectors, the PMO said.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen political, economic, and defense ties with Russia. The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation at different international forums, including the United Nations and SCO.
COLD WAR RIVALS
Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have warmed up to each other in recent years through regular business and trade interactions.
Islamabad’s ties with Russia also saw a significant improvement in 2023 after Pakistan started purchasing Russian crude oil at a discount rate. The development came after geopolitical tensions almost doubled the fuel prices in Pakistan, forcing the South Asian country to opt for cheaper sources of fuel.
Last week, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari met Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an international forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where they pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties.
In September, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk visited Islamabad on a brief visit, seeking to expand trade and investment ties with Pakistan.