*BISHKEK: Talking to a Russian news outlet today (Thursday), The PrimeMinister of Pakistan expressed a desire to increase military ties with thecountry.*
Imran Khan, who reached Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan earlier in the day to attendthe 19th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the ShanghaiCooperation Organization (SCO) said that he was happy with the burgeoningrelation between Pakistan and Russia.
“This is not the 60’s, things have changed drastically from the pastriddled with ‘cold war’,” said Khan.
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan when asked about his expectationsfrom his Bishkek trip and official meeting with the President of Russia,Vladimir Putin expressed hope to increase and strengthen defense relationswith the former super power.
“Relations between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Russian Military haveincreased manifold in the recent past and we would like to take itfurther,” anticipated Khan.
The Pakistani premier was asked if Pakistan was interested in buyingweapons from Russia to which Imran Khan said that no such intention existsat present as the government is trying to stabalize economy back home.
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“We are trying to focus on human development at the moment, the stand-offwith India has observed gradual decrease for now ,” Khan answered.
Answering a question about potential meeting with the Russian premier, Khansaid: “I would like to potentially visit Russia, I have visited once in thepast and yes, I am probably going to meet the Russian leadership.”
“I will hopefully meet the Russian President Vladimir Putin during themeeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai CooperationOrganization (SCO).”
Khan added that he had met the Russian premier in the past during his visitto China.
