PM Imran Khan came back to Pakistan on Friday after a successful trip to Russia, during which both countries said they wanted to keep improving their ties.
On February 23, the Premier arrived in Russia for a two-day visit, the first by a Pakistani prime minister in more than two decades, and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore bilateral ties and deepen energy cooperation.
On February 24, the Prime Minister laid a wreath at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,‘ and subsequently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, only hours after Putin launched a special military operation in eastern Ukraine, despite last-minute requests and warnings from the West.
PM Imran was warmly welcomed by Vladimir Putin when he arrived at the Kremlin.
The Russian president also hosted a luncheon for Pakistan’s premier during the three-hour meeting.
PM Imran Stresses The Importance Of Resolving Conflicts Through Dialogue And Diplomacy
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s prime minister, said that he was sad about the current situation between Russia and Ukraine. He said that Pakistan believes that talks and diplomacy are important ways to solve problems.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who met with President Vladimir V. Putin in the Kremlin for a summit meeting, said that Pakistan believed diplomacy might prevent a military clash.
“The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement that “the Prime Minister expressed sadness over the recent situation between Russia and Ukraine and expressed Pakistan’s hope that diplomacy might prevent a military clash.”
“The Prime Minister emphasised that violence benefits no one and that developing nations are usually the most negatively impacted economically in times of conflict. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to resolving conflicts through discussion and diplomacy,” the statement stated.
Restore Bilateral Relations and Increase Cooperation
The two presidents engaged in-depth discussions about bilateral ties as well as regional and international topics of mutual importance.
The Prime Minister said that he was optimistic that the relationship between the two countries would keep going up in the future.
He said that the relationship’s mutual trust and friendship will lead to more and more collaboration between them in a wide range of fields.
In The Energy Sector, Collaboration Is Key.
The Prime Minister said that the Pakistan-Stream Gas Pipeline is a big economic project for Pakistan and Russia. He also talked about possible energy cooperation between the two countries.
He emphasised Pakistan’s determination to develop a long-term, multifaceted partnership with Russia.
The Situation in Afghanistan
In a regional perspective, the Prime Minister emphasised the critical nature of resolving the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and averting a possible economic disaster.
He said that Pakistan will work with the rest of the world to make Afghanistan a stable, peaceful, and connected place.
In this regard, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Russia have worked together and coordinated at many international and regional meetings, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
In Occupied Kashmir, Severe Human Rights Violations
On the South Asian issue, he talked about the terrible human rights situation in IIOJK and how important it is to solve the Jammu and Kashmir conflict peacefully.
Additionally, the Prime Minister noted events that jeopardise regional peace and stability, emphasising the need for steps to maintain regional balance.
Islamophobia
Concerned about the global rise of extremism and Islamophobia, he stressed the need for interfaith cooperation and tolerance.
Appreciating President Putin’s recognition of the Muslims’ reverence and sensitivity to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Prime Minister said that interfaith harmony and respect for all faiths were necessary for internal and intersocietal peace and harmony.
Radio Pakistan reported that Prime Minister Imran Khan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met one-on-one in Moscow. The two discussed a broad range of bilateral and regional issues.
Both presidents talked about their countries’ economic and energy ties, with a focus on the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline, which will bring gas to Pakistan.
Additionally, the regional situation was discussed, notably the evolving situation in Ukraine.
