Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted significant potential for cooperation between Russia and Pakistan across various fields during meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of Federation Council of Russian Federal Assembly here. He conveyed his best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin and extended an invitation for him to visit Pakistan.

Discussion centred on enhancing banking channels to promote trade and investment, as well as establishing comprehensive roadmap for economic collaboration. PM noted that recent visits by Russian leaders indicate positive trend in strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that upcoming Pakistan-Russia Joint Commission meeting in December would present crucial opportunity to expand cooperation.

In separate meeting with Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Matviyenko stated that Russia is committed to increasing bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse areas, including trade, investment and diplomacy. She emphasised importance of promoting diplomatic, economic, commercial, and parliamentary relations. Matviyenko underscored Russia’s high regard for its relationship with Pakistan, stating that enhancing parliamentary ties would facilitate trade and investment while fostering closer connections between two peoples. Gillani remarked that Matviyenko’s visit would significantly boost bilateral ties and contribute to regional peace, development and prosperity. He appreciated Russia’s support for infrastructural development and advancements in Pakistan’s oil and gas sectors.