ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s relations with Russia have been on a positive trajectory.
In a statement, the foreign minister said the two countries have held mutual consultations on the Afghan issue. He said Pakistan has been part of Moscow Format and Russian representative attended the Troika Plus meeting in Islamabad.
Mr Qureshi said Russian Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov also participated in the recently held extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad.
The minister added said Pakistan’s efforts have resulted in drawing the world’s attention to the situation in Afghanistan, however, further attention is required. He said the humanitarian situation is further deteriorating in Afghanistan with the severity of cold weather.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the two countries are developing an understanding on the North-South Gas Pipeline project, which is a significant step for bilateral cooperation in economy and energy.
He said Russian President Putin’s recent statement against Islamophobia vindicates the stance of Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan on the issue. This indicates that the two countries are moving ahead at regional and global level.
PM appreciates Putin’s statement
A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephonic conversation with the Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed a wide range of issues.
The prime minister appreciated the Russian President’s statement that insulting Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) does not count as an expression of artistic freedom but is a violation of religious freedom.
PM Imran Khan said he has been regularly highlighting the appalling rise in Islamophobia and associated hatred in his addresses to the UN General Assembly, pointing towards its serious ramifications.
The prime minister underscored that Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with Russia is on an upward trajectory, with an increased focus on trade and economic ties and energy cooperation. He reiterated the government’s resolve for early realisation of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.
Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in different areas, increase high-level exchanges, and remain in close contact on matters relating to Afghanistan. The prime minister underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is pivotal for regional stability.
He said Afghanistan is facing dire humanitarian and economic challenges and support of the international community to the people of Afghanistan at this critical juncture remained vitally important.
The prime minister also underscored the importance of release of Afghanistan’s financial assets for addressing the dire needs of the Afghan people. PM Imran Khan said he looks forward to President Putin’s visit to Pakistan as well as his own visit to Russia at an appropriate time.
