Pakistan and Russia have agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in the areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.

This understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin in Islamabad today, on the sidelines of 23rd SCO Heads of Council of Heads of Government meeting.

Both the Prime Ministers discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the last two decades.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation on all areas of mutual interest. They also agreed on lingual exchanges among the two countries to enhance people-to-people relations and an increased cooperation among the banking sectors of the two countries to facilitate trade and investment.

Both the sides agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recalled his first foreign visit to Moscow, expressing a desire to transform these warm memories into a lasting friendship with Russia. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening political, economic, and defense ties with the Russian Federation.

He also thanked Russia for supporting Pakistan's BRICS membership bid, marking a step toward deeper collaboration on the global stage.

Shehbaz Sharif also recalled his productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin in July this year in Astana during the course of which they had agreed to meaningful enhancement of relations between the two countries. He also emphasized on the need of direct flights between Russia and Pakistan for enhanced connectivity between the two countries.

The Russian Prime Minister appreciated the remarkable arrangements done by Pakistan for the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.

Furthermore, he thanked the Government and the people of Pakistan for warm welcome and exemplary hospitality extended to him and the Russian delegation.

He expressed his desire to further bolster the existing cooperation between Russia and Pakistan to next level.