ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation in a phone call on Monday.
Taking to Twitter, the premier acknowledged President Putin for his statement that disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) did not count as an expression of artistic freedom but a “violation of religious freedom.”
We also discussed ways to move forward on trade and other mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries. We invited each other to visit our countries.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 17, 2022
“He [Putin] is the first Western leader to show empathy and sensitivity to Muslim sentiment for their beloved Prophet (PBUH),” the prime minister added.
In another Twitter, PM Imran wrote: “We also discussed ways to move forward on trade and other mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries. We invited each other to visit our countries.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the PM’s Office stated that 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 said that he had been regularly highlighted the appalling rise in Islamophobia and associated hatred in his addresses to the UN General Assembly, pointing towards its serious ramifications.
During the phone call, the premier underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was pivotal for regional stability. “Kabul was facing dire humanitarian and economic challenges and support of the international community to the Afghan people at this critical juncture remained vitally important”, he stressed.
PM Imran also underscored the importance of release of Afghanistan’s financial assets for addressing the dire needs of the Afghan people. “The two leaders fondly recalled their conversations during last year and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the press release added.
The prime minister underscored that Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with Russia was on an upward trajectory, with an increased focus on trade and economic ties and energy cooperation. He reiterated the government’s resolve for early realization of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.
