ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON – Ahead of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting withRussian President Vladimir Putin, the US has called on the Pakistanipremier to raise concerns and objections to Moscow over plans about Kyiv.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit comes as Russian forces started a majormilitary operation on Ukraine. Moscow reportedly carried out strikes onmilitary infrastructure and border guard units, reports in internationalmedia said.
US urged PM Khan as he is the first foreign leader to meet with PresidentPutin amid escalating crisis. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price,while reacting to Imran Khan’s meeting with the Russian premier, said “itis the responsibility of every country to voice objection to Russia’sactions in Ukraine”.
With a sturdy stance on the Ukraine crisis, Washington informed Islamabadabout its position on the situation.
“We’ve communicated to Pakistan our position regarding Russia’s furtherrenewed invasion of Ukraine and we have briefed them on our efforts topursue diplomacy over war,” US officials said during a presser.
Earlier, Imran Khan speaking with Russian TV clarified that Islamabad doesnot want to join any bloc in a new cold war as siding with the United Statein the Cold War cost it dearly.Slight change in schedule of Imran-Putin meeting
Prime Minister of Pakistan, who is on an official visit to Russia, hasrescheduled his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Reports in local media claimed that the duration of Prime Minister ImranKhan’s meeting with the Russian President has been increased to three hours.
All eyes are on today’s crucial meeting as Khan is the first Pakistanipremier in over two decades to visit Russia. Both sides will exchange viewson major regional and international issues. Khan is accompanied by ahigh-level delegation comprising senior members of the federal cabinet.
The situation in the region will also be discussed in the meeting withImran Khan and Vladimir Putin.
PM Imran will also discuss energy cooperation and other issues with Russia.He will push for the construction of a long-delayed, multi-billion-dollargas pipeline to be built in collaboration with Russian companies, perreports.
Khan landed in Moscow on Wednesday and received a red carpet welcome and aguard of honour at the airport.
