| Holds one-on-one meeting with Russian President | Issues including Islamophobia, Afghanistan, bilateral, regional, and South Asian situation discussed | ‘Conflict not in anyone’s interest,’ PM tells Putin | Underscores importance of Gas pipeline project between both countries
DM Monitoring
MOSCOW: Prime Minister Imran Khan held one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kremlin and the two leaders held wide-ranging consultations on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
According to an official statement issued after the almost three hours long meeting on Thursday, the premier while recalling the telephone conversations during the recent months between the two leaders expressed confidence that the positive trajectory of bilateral relations will continue to move forward in the future. Premier Imran along with a high-level delegation is on a two-day visit to the Russian Federation from 23-24 February. He is accompanied by cabinet members and senior officials.
The prime minister added that the trust and cordiality marking the relationship would translate into further deepening and broadening of mutual cooperation in diverse fields.
The prime minister reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan-Stream Gas Pipeline as a flagship economic project between Pakistan and Russia and also discussed cooperation on prospective energy-related projects. “The prime minister [Imran Khan] underscored Pakistan’s commitment to forge a long-term, multidimensional relationship with Russia,” read the communiqué.
In the regional context, the prime minister underlined the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and preventing potential economic meltdown in Afghanistan.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community for a stable, peaceful and connected Afghanistan. In this regard, he underscored the ongoing cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Russia at various international and regional fora, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
On the situation in South Asia, PM Imran highlighted the serious human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and underscored the imperative of peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
The premier also highlighted the developments detrimental to regional peace and stability and stressed the need for measures that would help keep the regional balance.
The official statement said PM Imran expressed regret over the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and saying that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict.
He stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest, and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically in case of conflict. “He underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Expressing concerns on rising trends of extremism and Islamophobia in the world, the prime minister emphasised the need for interfaith harmony and coexistence. Appreciating President Putin’s understanding of the respect and sensitivities that the Muslims attach to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the prime minister said that inter-faith harmony and respect for all religions was imperative for peace and harmony within and among the societies.
‘Putin goes out of way to welcome PM Imran’
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said President Putin “went out of the way” to welcome Premier Imran upon his arrival for meeting at Kremlin that last lasted for almost three hours.
Speaking to a local TV channel from Moscow, the federal minister said that Pakistan will pursue independent foreign policy and not become a part of any bloc.
“We [Pakistan] want to further strengthen ties with Russia… but we will maintain a balance [in relations] with West and Russia,” he said, adding, “Pakistan will not make or break ties at the whims of anyone”.
PM Imran Khan, earlier on his arrival at Kremlin – the executive headquarters of the Russian Federation, was warmly received by President Putin.
