ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Russia have agreed to enhance cooperation invarious fields, including trade, energy and defense sectors.
The agreement was reached at a meeting between Foreign Minister ShahMehmood Qureshi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelinesof the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Bishkek today.
The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and security situationin the region, particularly the latest developments in peace process inAfghanistan.
Speaking after the meeting, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he discussedpromotion of economic cooperation with his Russian counterpart.
He said different aspects for enhancing volume of bilateral trade.
Pakistan and Russia also signed a joint statement on No First Placement ofWeapons in Outer Space in Bishkek today.
According to the statement, Pakistan and Russia share a common position onthe prevention of arms race in outer space and work collectively in variousinternational fora towards that goal.
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It said Pakistan and Russia reiterate their commitment to refrain from thethreat or use of force in outer space activities. The two countriesencourage other responsible space-faring nations to follow this example.
The statement said outer space is being used by an increasing number ofstates. Pakistan has been consistently highlighting the risks ofweaponization of outer space, which threaten the long term sustainabilityof peaceful space activities.
The statement stressed the need for addressing gaps in the internationallegal regime governing the exploration and use of outer space with a viewto ensuring that no one threatens peaceful activities and applications ofspace technologies for socio-economic development.
The signing of today’s joint statement on No First Placement of Weapons inOuter Space is a reflection of convergence of views between Pakistan andRussia.
