Russia stands ready to promote bilateral ties and to build counter terrorism potential with Pakistan: Sergey Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed the commitment of his country to promote bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields including economy, trade and defence.

According to media reports, the Russian Foreign Minister has expressed the resolve during delegation level talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad on Wednesday.

While addressing a joint news conference after the meeting, Sergey Lavrov has said that his country stands ready to further build counter terrorism potential through provision of military equipment. He said that this is in the interest of all states of the region and both the sides have agreed to further conduct military exercises and drills.

The Russian Foreign Minister has expressed satisfaction over forty six percent increase in bilateral trade. He however stressed there is need to further diversify it.

He also discussed the opportunities in the energy sector and said Russia and Pakistan are now discussing a new protocol on Stream Gas Pipeline project and as soon as it is signed, the construction work on the project will be started. He termed the relationship between the two countries mutually beneficial and constructive.

“We have provided fifty thousand doses of anti Covid vaccine to Pakistan and intend to provide one hundred and fifty thousand more,” he added.

Also read: Pak-Russia joint counter terrorism exercise DRUZHBA-V kicks off in Tarbela

Talking about the Afghan peace process, the Russian Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Russia have agreed to further facilitate the parties to reach an agreement to put an end to civil war through an inclusive political dialogue. He said we believe that against the backdrop of tensions in the region, we should not forget the task of establishment of the state of Palestine. Russia stands ready to facilitate direct dialogue between Palestine and Israel, he added.

The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said on the occasion that Pakistan is keen to build a strong multifaceted relationship with Russia. He said there is a new approach and mindset in Pakistan for relationship with Russia. We feel that not just we have geographic proximity but Russia is a factor of stability in the region and the world at large.

FM Qureshi said Pakistan wants to build a relationship of trust with Russia. He said Moscow has always advocated primacy of international law and multilateralism. These are principles that Pakistan adheres to. Our coordination and cooperation at the United Nations level has been excellent.

He reaffirmed the commitment to deepen relations with Pakistan and create win-win cooperation between the two countries.