ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad and discussed matters related to bilateral relations and regional security.
During the meeting, the prime minister told the Russian defence minister that Pakistan desires to boost its multi-dimensional relations including defence with Russia.
The premier said that it is heartening to see that relations between the two countries have grown in the past few years.
Sharif said that current $542 million bilateral trade does not correspond to trade potential of the two countries and there is a need to take steps to enhance the trade.
The prime minister also invited Russian companies to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector and benefit from its business friendly policies.
In addition, he lauded the Russian support to Pakistan to become a full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Eurasian political, economic and military organisation with members including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The premier said that Pakistan is ready to further enhance cooperation with other countries of the region through SCO forum to counter terrorism and drug trafficking.
Earlier, the Russian defence minister and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif signed a defence cooperation agreement, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and bringing peace and stability in the region.
“The signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two significant countries of the region is a milestone,” Asif said in a statement after the signing ceremony held in Rawalpindi.
“Both sides will translate this relationship in tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations,” he added.
