Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called Prime Minister Imran Khan by telephone and discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister’s Office said that he told Putin that a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan was important for Pakistan and the region, and stressed on the safety and security of the Afghan people.
Prime Minister Imran said that an inclusive political settlement was the best way forward.
The prime minister called on the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan and support the Afghan people.
They emphasised on the need to address humanitarian crisis and ensure economic sustenance in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Imran expressed satisfaction over the improvement in Pakistan-Russia relations.
He reiterated Pakistan government’s resolve to strengthen trade and bilateral collaboration in the energy sector, including the early realisation of the gas pipeline project.
Both the leaders agreed to closely cooperate within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to promote regional peace and security.
Prime Minister Imran invited President Putin to visit Pakistan.
Meanwhile, President Putin called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and stressed on the need to prevent instability in Afghanistan from spreading to other parts of the region.
A statement from the Kremlin said that both the leaders showed readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
