Russian president holds talks with Pakistani premier in Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun bilateral talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing.

Sharif used the meeting to advocate for stronger bilateral ties between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Our relations have only improved over the past many years thanks to your personal commitment and interest in many areas. I would also like to say that I am firmly determined to strengthen our bilateral relations,” the Pakistani prime minister said.

This meeting followed a brief interaction between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, the previous day.

In recent years, Russia and Pakistan have made concerted efforts to enhance their bilateral relations. Notably, in September 2024, the two countries signed their first-ever barter trade agreement, facilitating the exchange of goods such as Pakistani oranges and Russian lentils, bypassing traditional currency transactions. Additionally, Russia began supplying discounted crude oil to Pakistan in 2023, providing a vital energy source amidst global supply challenges.

By Khagan Isayev