ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.

The consensus to this effect was reached during delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his Russian counterpart Alexei Overchuk in Islamabad today.

The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed to continue coordination on multilateral fora including at the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk’s visit is taking place in pursuance of the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin on transforming bilateral relations into a solid, mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk arrived here on a two-day visit.

On his arrival at the airport, the deputy prime minister, who was accompanied by a high level delegation, was warmly welcomed by Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia Muhammad Khalid Jamali and Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Shafqat Ali Khan.

During the visit, Alexei Overchuk will hold extensive talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar besides meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.