Pakistan, Russia entering into a new phase of strong relationship: PM Nawaz Sharif

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said relations between Pakistan and Russia were ready to enter into a new phase and would prove beneficial for both countries.

The Prime Minister said in a meeting with Russian delegation led by Victor P. Ivanov, Co-Chairman of the Russian-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and Scientific Cooperation, here at PM House.

The Prime Minister said the country’s economic indicators were fast growing and Pakistan was becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors, especially in the field of energy.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan had taken a firm stance on terrorism and extremism to ensure a peaceful, stable and investor friendly environment.

The terrorists’ hideouts and infrastructure had been dismantled through effective offensive, added the Prime Minister.

Victor P. Ivanov said Pakistan was a strong country with rich history and there existed a huge potential for mutual trade between Russia and Pakistan.

He proposed establishment of direct flight between Moscow and Islamabad to especially benefit the traders and investors of both the countries.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif extended his invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, for inauguration of North South Gas Pipeline, which is the largest investment by Russia in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan attached high value to its partnership with Russia in all areas including Bilateral Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

Pakistan supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned solution for peace in Afghanistan, which is good for the entire region and the world.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Chairman BOI Mifta Ismail and other senior officials of the government attended the meeting.

The members of the Russian delegation included Colonel General Mikhail Y. Kyiko, Deputy Federal Minister of the Federal Drug Control Service; Major General Vladimir Z. Vysotskiy, Chief of the International and Legal Department of the Federal Drug Control Service; Alexey Y. Dedov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and

Maxim A. Marchenko, official representative of the Federal Drug Control Service.