Islamabad: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields, including economy, trade, and defense. The Russian official expressed the resolve during delegation-level talks with Pakistan in Islamabad on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi led the Pakistani side.FM Qureshi, in his opening remarks, noted that Islamabad is extending facilities, including that of e-visa to foreign investors.’Focus on geo-economics rather than geopolitics The foreign minister also said that Pakistan has shifted its priorities from geo-politics to geo-economics. Pakistan is determined to promote its relations with Russia in diverse fields, he said, expressing Pakistan’s commitment to the early commencement of work on the Stream Gas Pipeline project with Russia. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission at the earliest for the promotion of economic relations.FM Qureshi also briefed his Russian counterpart about the situation in Indian held Kashmir and the regional security situation. He said Pakistan desires peace in the region and resolution of all outstanding disputes, including that of Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful means. Commending Russia’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan will continue its sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
