ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday expressed commitment to strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres of cooperation.
In a meeting held on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Dushanbe, the two sides reviewed the implementation status of the decisions taken during the Russian foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan early this year in April.
It was agreed to work closely to further strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres. The regional security situation, particularly Afghanistan also came under discussion, said a statement by Foreign Office.
Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his Russian counterpart on Pakistan’s constructive approach towards the Afghan peace process. Reiterating continued support, he emphasised close coordination between the two countries to help achieve negotiated political settlement. The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in contact for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen relations with the Central Asian state in diverse fields.
During the meeting along with other foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries, Qureshi congratulated the Tajik President on successful stewardship of SCO under its presidency where new areas were identified to further strengthen cooperation under SCO.
The foreign minister highlighted the government’s Vision Central Asia policy to enhance outreach to Central Asian Republics. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest to work with Central Asian Republics on rail, road and energy projects which would link Central Asia with Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides an ideal opportunity in this regard. On the regional security situation, he that withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan had opened new challenges and opportunities.
He expressed the hope that SCO would continue to play its due role in support of peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
