ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

During Lavrov’s meeting with PM Imran Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations and issues of regional and global importance were discussed.

The prime minister reiterated the importance that Pakistan attached to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority. He expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, including deepening cooperation in trade, energy, security and defence.

The premier also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expeditiously conclude the requisite legal process for the ‘Pakistan Stream’ (North-South) Gas Pipeline project and commence the work as early as possible.

Enhanced bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, industrial modernization, railways and aviation was discussed. It was agreed that the Inter-Governmental Commission, due to meet in Moscow later this year, would closely pursue specific proposals and projects in this context.

Views were exchanged on the health and economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister congratulated Russia on its development of Sputnik-V vaccine and underscored Pakistan’s procurement plans in this regard.

Views were also exchanged on situation in West Asia, the Gulf, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. Imran Khan reiterated his invitation to the president Putin to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

The foreign minister of Russia called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including enhanced defence and security cooperation, regional security, particularly Afghan Peace Process were discussed.

Lavrov acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements in war against terrorism and contributions for regional peace and stability especially Pakistan’s sincere efforts in the Afghan Peace Process. He expressed that Pak-Russia relations were on a positive trajectory and will continue to develop in multiple domains.

The COAS said that Pakistan valued its relations with Russia and reciprocated the desire for enhanced bilateral military cooperation.

“Pakistan welcomes all initiatives which can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan as the whole region will benefit from it,” the COAS emphasized.

Bajwa said Pakistan army had no hostile designs towards any country and it would keep on working towards a cooperative regional framework based on sovereign equality and mutual progress.