Imran to Putin: Pak-Russia close coordination on Afghanistan crucial
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday received a telephone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin wherein both the leaders discussed latest situation in Afghanistan and other matters.
Recalling their earlier telephone conversation of August 25 this year, the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments of Afghanistan, bilateral cooperation and collaboration in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), according to a statement issued by the PM Office.
The prime minister underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for regional security and prosperity.
He emphasised the urgent need for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the imperative of averting an economic crisis.
PM Imran underlined the need for the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan. He stressed that the Afghan people should not be abandoned at this crucial juncture.
The premier stressed that close coordination and consultations between Pakistan and Russia on the evolving situation in Afghanistan are of crucial importance.
Also read: ‘Russia planning to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan’
In the bilateral context, PM Imran emphasised the growing cooperation across a range of sectors and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further upgrade the overall relationship.
He underscored that strengthening trade and investments and energy cooperation are the cornerstones of engagement with Russia.
The premier also reaffirmed the government’s resolve for early realisation of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.
The 1,100-kilometre-long project, formerly known as the North-South Pipeline, plans to carry 12.4 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually. The project name was changed to ‘Pakistan Stream’ along with its partnership structure against the risk of US sanctions on Russian companies.
He reiterated his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan. The Russian president renewed his invitation to PM Imran to undertake a visit to Moscow, read the communiqué.
Relations between Islamabad and Moscow have been on an upward trajectory propelled by converging views on important regional and international issues, growing trust, and increasing bilateral cooperation manifested by recent high-level interactions.
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
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