Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held diplomatic meetings during his visit to Astana for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council, Heads of State (CHS), and SCO Plus summits. He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly focusing on economic cooperation with these nations.
During his discussions, PM Shehbaz proposed enhancing trade relations with Russia and offered Tajikistan the use of Karachi port for transit trade. He emphasized expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, defense, security, culture, and people-to-people contacts with Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the growing Pakistan-Russia relations, citing shared interests and resolving banking issues to boost trade through a renewed barter system. He expressed optimism about deepening ties and cooperation in sectors like energy and agriculture, and he underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and economic partnerships in Central Asia.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz participated in the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit, advocating for stronger economic and commercial cooperation among the three nations. At the SCO summit, Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their alliance against Western influence, emphasizing the SCO’s role in promoting a multipolar world order.
The summit also discussed strategic issues such as the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and expanded SCO membership to include India, Iran, and Pakistan as a counterbalance to Western dominance.
