BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Russian President Vladimir Putin in a one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Beijing. Both leaders agreed to work on strengthening bilateral ties.

President Putin said Russia values its excellent relations with Pakistan and wants to deepen cooperation further. He also expressed sorrow over the losses Pakistan has suffered due to recent floods.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stronger relations with Russia, especially in trade and other areas. He said Pakistan is eager to expand collaboration with Moscow across multiple sectors and highlighted the country’s commitment to regional peace, development, and prosperity.

The prime minister arrived in Beijing by bullet train from Tianjin after attending the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting. He was welcomed at the South Railway Station by Wang Hong, a senior member of China’s National People’s Congress. He was accompanied by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and SAPM Tariq Fatemi.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders pledged to take the Pakistan-China partnership to new heights. PM Shehbaz praised China’s achievements and assured that Pakistan will always stand by Beijing. President Xi reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s economic growth and said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has now entered its second phase.

A day earlier, PM Shehbaz addressed the SCO summit, where he called for respect of sovereignty, stronger regional cooperation, and a joint fight against terrorism. He urged member states to honor bilateral treaties, including agreements on water sharing.

“Pakistan believes in dialogue and diplomacy, not confrontation,” the PM said. “Nothing is more important for any country than sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He also stressed that peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional stability and called for comprehensive dialogue to resolve longstanding issues in South Asia.

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