Pakistan’s Dar, Russia’s Lavrov express satisfaction at current ‘positive trajectory’ of relations

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met on Wednesday the leaders of Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and exchanged views on bilateral relations and priorities for regional cooperation.

The FM met the Russian FM on the sidelines of the Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), held in Moscow from November 17 till November 18.

During their meeting, they reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, said the Foreign Office (FO) in a press release.

Both sides expressed deep satisfaction at the current positive trajectory of relations.

During their meeting, Dar noted the vital role of both countries’ leadership as well as bilateral institutional mechanisms in further strengthening the bilateral relations.

“In addition, both leaders exchanged views on wide-ranging regional and international issues.

Taking into account the excellent coordination at multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, they pledged to deepen them further in the interest of both countries.“

Meanwhile, the deputy PM also met Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda on the sidelines of the summit.

He congratulated Rasulzoda on assuming the chair of the next Council of Heads of Government meeting, and reaffirmed to further strengthen Pakistan-Tajik bilateral ties across diverse areas, as well as deepen cooperation at multilateral fora.

Moreover, in his meeting with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, Dar appreciated the positive momentum in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.

He also underscored the importance of high-level interactions and cooperation at multilateral fora, including the SCO, said the FO.

Similarly, the FM also had an informal discussion with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Qatar.

“They exchanged views on bilateral relations and priorities for regional cooperation.”

Dar reaffirms commitment to ‘Shanghai Spirit’

In his statement at the CHG, the deputy PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit”.

He outlined Pakistan’s priorities, notably enhancing cooperation in connectivity, energy, transport linkages, logistics and infrastructure development.

He encouraged member states to take steps towards promoting the use of national currencies for mutual settlements, and called for the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, an SCO Development Fund and an Investment Fund.