UPDATE - Strengthening ties with Russia an ‘important priority,’ says Pakistani premier

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM PAKISTAN'S PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that strengthening ties with Russia is an “important priority” of his country’s foreign policy, as Moscow extended support for Islamabad’s BRICS membership.

During his meeting with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Sharif said Pakistan is keen to expand trade, economic, energy, connectivity, and security cooperation with Moscow, the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Overchuk, who arrived in the capital Islamabad for a two-day official visit, reiterated Russia’s resolve to deepen relations with Pakistan, characterizing the ties as “constructive” and “mutually beneficial.”

President Asif Ali Zardari also received Overchuk.

​​​​​​​Stressing the importance of exploring the possibilities for barter trade and improving connectivity between the two nations, Zardari called for easing visa regulations for Pakistani citizens.

He also sought increased connectivity through railways and direct flights to facilitate and enhance people-to-people and business-to-business contacts, a statement from his office said.

On Wednesday, Overchuk said Moscow would support Islamabad’s inclusion in BRICS at a media stakeout along with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.

Also, Pakistan and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of bilateral cooperation in the domain of economy and trade at a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Wednesday, Pakistan also announced its accession to the MoU on the Creation and Development of the International Transport Corridor, which links Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

BRICS, founded in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, added South Africa in 2011. Despite several new countries joining in December 2023, the group decided to retain the name BRICS.

* Riyaz ul Khaliq contributed to the report from Istanbul