Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met today with Mr. Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, at the Prime Minister’s House during the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government. Both Prime Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in all sectors and expressed satisfaction over the positive direction of relations between Pakistan and Russia over the past two decades. They agreed to enhance robust dialogue and cooperation in the fields of trade, industry, energy, regional connectivity, science, technology, and education. Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also mentioned his first visit to Moscow, which was his first trip to any country. He expressed his desire to transform the memories of his visit into a strengthening of relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to accelerate bilateral political, economic, and defense discussions with Russia. Both leaders also agreed to continue cooperation on multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif thanked the Russian Prime Minister for cooperation with Pakistan in BRICS. The Prime Minister referred to his fruitful meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Astana in July this year, during which they agreed to further enhance relations between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of direct flights to enhance communication links between Pakistan and Russia. The Russian Prime Minister praised Pakistan for the excellent arrangements made for the 23rd Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan for their warm welcome and hospitality towards the Russian delegation. He also expressed his desire to elevate Pakistan-Russia cooperation to new heights. During the meeting, both Prime Ministers agreed to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. They also agreed on promoting teaching exchanges in the Russian and Urdu languages and enhancing cooperation in the banking sector to facilitate investment and trade.