Pakistani premier says he wants to boost trade ties with Russia

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – Pakistan wants to boost its cooperation with Russia in a number of areas, especially energy, trade, and investment, the prime minister said on Saturday.

During a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev on Friday, Premier Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in last week’s terrorist attack, saying that Islamabad stands in solidarity with Moscow at this tragic hour.

Gunmen on March 22 opened fire on people at a concert hall in Krasnogorsk in the Moscow region. At least 144 people died, and four people were charged with terrorism.

"While noting the historic cordial ties between both countries, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan wanted to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia in a number of areas particularly in energy, trade, and investment," said a statement from the Prime Minister’s office in Islamabad.

Sharif urged the Russian side to send a delegation to Pakistan to hold discussions with their counterparts to find ways to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries.

He reiterated his invitation for Putin to pay an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, it said.

Khorev assured Sharif that Russia also want to build stronger ties with Pakistan and said Moscow is also keen to enhance cooperation with Islamabad in energy, trade, and investment as well as education and culture.