(Islamabad – Media Report) Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the Russian Federation as well as with its Muslim regions, including the Republic of Tatarstan would witness significant progress in all areas of mutual interest.
The prime minister reiterated his resolve to establish a strong partnership between Pakistan and Russia in all fields as this cooperation would positively contribute to promoting peace and stability in the region.
He was talking to the President of Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, who called on him at the PM House, according to a press release.
While warmly welcoming the Tatarstan leader and his delegation to Pakistan, Mr Sharif said that longstanding bilateral relations were the manifestation of a common desire to explore possibilities for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
He emphasised that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of peaceful neighbourhood and wished to resolve all outstanding issues with its neighbours through dialogue.
Mr Minnikhanov thanked the prime minister for extending warm hospitality during his visit to Pakistan and said that the Tatar business delegation held fruitful meetings in Lahore.
Mr Sharif expressed the hope that the joint business forum with businessmen from both sides would develop mutually beneficial contacts and help boost bilateral trade.
Cooperation in sectors, including banking, Halal food, production of cement, automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, technology, culture and education, should be explored, he added.
Earlier the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and Deputy Prime Minister Roman Shaykhutdinov have arrived in Lahore on one-day visit.Provincial Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Provincial Minister for Industries Shaikh Allaud Din, Commissioner Lahore and others welcomed the gusts at Lahore airport. Later, the guests left for hotel amid strict security.
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif held a meeting with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov in Lahore on Saturday.They discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and promotion of cooperation in different sectors. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister hoped that the visit of the distinguished guest will promote bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Tatarstan in 1999 when Rustam Minnikhanov was Prime Minister. The President of Tatarstan called for promoting active collaboration between the two countries in various fields.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has assured to provide full protection to investors of Tatarstan saying they will also own hundred percent of their investment.
Addressing Punjab-Tatarstan Business Forum in Lahore, he said Punjab government wants to promote economic cooperation with Tatarstan. He said there are vast potential for promotion of tourism in Pakistan, especially in Punjab and we would like to benefit from the expertise of Tatarstan in this regard.
The Chief Minister said Punjab has very strong infrastructure which can support all the investment activities and joint ventures. He said the landmark China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project can create a linkage between Pakistan and Tatarstan.
Shahbaz Sharif said thirty six billion dollars are being spent on energy projects under the CPEC, that will end load-shedding from country by the end of current year or early next year.
