Aug 26, 2021: In a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, PM Imran Khan emphasized the importance of adopting a coherent approach to dealing with the emerging situation in Afghanistan.
PM Imran said that Pakistan had “played a very important role” in the Troika Plus format.
Along with Pakistan and Russia, the United States and China, are known as an extension troika for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan and has held several meetings this year on the situation in the war-torn country.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that PM Imran, who received a call from Putin, discussed the situation in Afghanistan as well as bilateral relations with the Russian President.
PM Imran emphasized that a stable, secure and peaceful Afghanistan is “extremely important” for Pakistan and regional stability. He also highlighted that a comprehensive political settlement is the “best way forward” in Afghanistan, as well as ensuring the safety, security and security of Afghans.
Furthermore, PM Imran stressed that the international community must “remain positively engaged in helping the people of Afghanistan to meet humanitarian needs and ensure economic stability.”
Talking about Pakistan-Russia relations, PM Imran expressed satisfaction over his “upward momentum” and said that high-level exchanges were increasing and cooperation in various fields was increasing.
The statement said that they reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening trade ties as well as bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, including the early completion of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.
It added that PM Imran and Putin agreed on close cooperation in the SCO (Shanghai Corporation Organisation) to promote regional peace and security. The Prime Minister also invited the Russian leader to visit Pakistan.
Last month, amid reports that Putin was due to visit Pakistan in July, a Foreign Office spokesman clarified that “invitations for top-level visits have been extended by both sides”, with the Russian president scheduled a visit.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Islamabad in April this year, and Pakistan’s foreign and defense ministers visited Russia last year.
Lavrov’s two-day visit to Pakistan was the first by a Russian foreign minister in nine years, which is once again part of the warmth in cold relations.
During his visit to Islamabad, the Russian Foreign Minister said in a statement: “We are ready to strengthen Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities, including the provision of special military equipment to Pakistan.”
Lavrov said an agreement had also been reached for additional joint military exercises, such as the Arabian Monsoon Maritime Drill.
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