Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Council of Head of States meeting in Astana today.

The two leaders had a wide ranging exchange of views covering bilateral relations with a special focus on trade and economic relations, energy as well as important regional and global issues.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Russia and expressed satisfaction at the steady growth of these relations, which were characterized by mutual trust and understanding.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to work with Russia to further expand and strengthen the growing multi-dimensional cooperation between the two countries across all areas of mutual benefit including trade, energy, defence and security. 

It was agreed to convene the next meeting of the Pakistan-Russia intergovernmental Cooperation at Moscow at an early date.

The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to the Russian President to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Speaking on the occasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin said both countries enjoy excellent relations and these ties have further strengthened due to enhanced trade cooperation between the two countries.

He said both Russia and Pakistan can increase cooperation in energy and agriculture sectors.

Vladimir Putin also expressed the desire to enhance Russian cooperation with Pakistan in the field of food security.

The Russian President also expressed his pleasure meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif again.

He also recalled that in the last meeting, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Samarkand, some two years ago, they had discussions on promoting bilateral relations.