Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is keen to expand trade, economic, energy, connectivity and security cooperation with Russia.

He was talking to Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk, who called on him in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister said he looks forward to welcoming Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Islamabad next month.

Welcoming Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and his delegation to Islamabad, he conveyed that Pakistan considers strengthening relations with Russia as an important priority of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Shehbaz Sharif recalled that he had a very fruitful discussion with President Vladimir Putin in July earlier this year and conveyed his thanks to President Putin for sending the high-level delegation to discuss expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk thanked Shehbaz Sharif for the warm welcome and reiterated Russia's resolve to deepen relations with Pakistan. He characterized Pakistan-Russia relations as constructive and mutually beneficial. 

The two sides agreed to maintain regular contacts.

The Prime Minister also witnessed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Russia and Pakistan. The MoU signifies the shared understanding and desire of the two countries to further strengthen mutually advantageous cooperation in all areas of shared interest, especially trade, investment, energy, IT, agriculture, science and technology and education.