PM Imran Khan embarks on two-day visit to Russia today
The premier is visiting Moscow amid escalations between Russia and the West over Ukraine tensions.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will depart for Russia today to pay a two-day official visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The premier is visiting Moscow amid escalations between Russia and the West over Ukraine tensions. Diplomatic circles have expressed their thoughts that PM Imran Khan’s recent visit could affect Pakistan-US ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a statement that PM Imran Khan and President Vladimir Putin will review the entire array of bilateral relations including energy cooperation besides having a wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, including Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan.
The premier will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including members of the federal cabinet. The bilateral summit will be the highlight of the visit.
Pakistan and Russia enjoy friendly relations marked by mutual respect, trust and convergence of views on a range of international and regional issues, the spokesperson added.
PM Khan’s visit will contribute to further deepening of the multifaceted Pakistan-Russia bilateral relationship and enhancement of mutual cooperation in diverse fields, it read.
Moreover, it will be the premier’s second foreign visit just a few weeks after China where he attended Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 which was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other countries despite the diplomatic boycott of the United States (US), European Union (EU) and other westerns countries.
It will be a historic visit for PM Imran Khan as the first Pakistani premier to make an official visit to Russia after 23 years. Former president Asif Ali Zardari had visited Moscow in 2011 at the invitation of then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
The recent visit of PM Imran Khan will also be considered as an indication for the West and the US as the premier had rejected the provision of military bases to the United States (US) after its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
