ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday and both leaders stressed the need for peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan for ensuring peace in the region.

According to the PM Office, Prime Minister Khan received a telephone call from Russian Federation President Putin. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and bilateral relations.

The prime minister stressed that a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan was vitally important for Pakistan and regional stability. Besides ensuring safety, security and protection of rights of Afghans, an inclusive political settlement was the best way forward, he said.

He underscored that the international community must stay positively engaged in support of the people of Afghanistan to help address their humanitarian needs and ensure economic sustenance.

Prime Minister Khan underscored the importance of coordinated approaches in addressing the evolving situation and noted that Pakistan attached high importance of the role of the Troika Plus format in this regard.

The PM expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations, with increased high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in diverse fields.

He reiterated his government’s resolve to strengthen bilateral collaboration in energy sector, including early realisation of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2021