President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin meets with Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

President of Russia Vladimir Putin meets with Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif

Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. The two leaders discussed development of bilateral relations, in particular more intensive trade and economic cooperation, and countering new threats and challenges, especially terrorism. 

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Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues, let me wish you a warm welcome once again.

I am very pleased to have this chance to meet with you on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's summit. Of course, I want to begin our talks today by congratulating you on the start of the official procedures for Pakistan's accession to the SCO as a full-fledged member.

Pakistan holds an important place in Russia's foreign policy. We have traditionally had friendly and constructive bilateral relations and we are developing our ties through various ministries and agencies. 

I think that our trade and economic ties are regrettably still rather insufficient and do not match our countries' possibilities. We need to make a big effort to change this situation.

We take the same approach to the challenges that we face, and one of the biggest problems on this list is the fight against terrorism, of course. We are very happy that we now have the chance to pursue regular contacts through our work in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 

To be continued.