Pakistan and Russia Pledge Stronger Ties as Shehbaz, Putin Meet at SCO Summit
Beijing, China – Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed Moscow’s readiness to further strengthen ties with Pakistan, emphasizing expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and regional development.
Putin made these remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Beijing.
Putin Hails Pakistan as a Trusted Partner
Recalling their previous encounter at last year’s SCO summit in Astana, Putin described Pakistan as a “traditional partner in Asia” and highlighted the importance of intensifying bilateral engagement.
“We highly value our relations with Pakistan and see great potential in taking them to new heights,” he said. The Russian leader also expressed condolences over the recent floods in Pakistan, saying Moscow stands in solidarity with the Pakistani people.
Putin invited Prime Minister Shehbaz to attend the upcoming SCO summit in Russia this November, underscoring his government’s commitment to closer ties.
Shehbaz: Pakistan Committed to Expanding Cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed Putin’s remarks and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen relations with Moscow, particularly in trade, energy, agriculture, transport, and industry.
“Pakistan is determined to strengthen its partnership with Russia. Both countries have already seen positive momentum in recent months, with trade volumes rising after oil imports from Russia,” Shehbaz noted.
He highlighted the progress made since the Astana meeting, pointing to high-level visits and signed protocols covering multiple sectors. Shehbaz also underlined the importance of a regional trade corridor linking Russia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which he said would boost economic integration and connectivity.
Regional Balance and Cooperation
Acknowledging Russia’s close relations with India, Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan seeks complementary ties with Moscow, aimed at contributing to regional stability and prosperity. He described President Putin as a “dynamic leader” and pledged to work closely with him in the future.
“These relations are not only in our national interest but will also benefit the wider region,” Shehbaz added.
Engagement with China: CPEC in Focus
Earlier in Beijing, Prime Minister Shehbaz held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to take the Pakistan–China partnership to the next level, with Xi announcing that the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had entered its second phase, focusing on key sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
Shehbaz praised China’s achievements and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing CPEC, calling it a “transformational project for regional development.”
Pakistan’s Message at the SCO Summit
Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to sovereignty, peace, and regional cooperation. He called for greater respect for bilateral treaties, particularly on water-sharing, and urged member states to unite against terrorism.
“Pakistan believes in dialogue and diplomacy, not confrontation. Sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental to every nation,” he said.
Shehbaz also underlined the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan, noting that stability there is critical for the entire region.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
The meetings in Beijing highlighted Pakistan’s growing engagement with both Russia and China under the SCO framework. With renewed pledges of cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity, Islamabad’s ties with Moscow are set to deepen, opening new opportunities for regional collaboration and balance.