Islamabad: The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during delegation level talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad on Wednesday has reaffirmed the commitment to promote bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields including economy, trade and defense.

While addressing a joint news conference in Islamabad, Sergey Lavrov said that Russia is ready to further build counter terrorism potential through provision of military equipment.

“Both countries have agreed to further conduct military exercises and drills,” he stated.

The Russian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over 46% increase in bilateral trade. However, he stressed that there is need to further diversify it.

By terming the relationship between the two countries mutually beneficial and constructive, he added that Russia has provided 50,000 jabs of Covid-19 to Pakistan and intend to provide 150,000 more.

The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is keen to build a strong multifaceted relationship with Russia.

“We feel that not just Pakistan have geographic proximity but Russia is a factor of stability in the region and the world at large,” he added.

Following the discussion on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister revealed that both countries have agreed to hold the intergovernmental commission meeting this year in Moscow.

Referring to situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir the Foreign Minister briefed the Russian counterpart about the human rights situation.

Mahmood Qureshi, describing the visit of Russian Foreign Minister to Pakistan said, “The visit is taking place after almost a decade”.

“This visit will further deepen bilateral relationship and friendship and we intend to maintain this momentum and high level contacts,” he concluded.