Wed Sep 03 02:18:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on September 2, 2025, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Sharif expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen ties with Russia, emphasizing that these relations would complement, not detract from, Russia’s relationship with India. He also thanked Putin for supporting Pakistan and highlighted potential cooperation in various sectors. Putin reciprocated, noting the positive trajectory of Russia-Pakistan relations and the importance of SCO collaboration. The leaders discussed regional and global issues, including the situations in South Asia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, as well as the long-standing issue of Palestine and Kashmir. Sharif accepted Putin’s invitation to visit Russia in November. He also met with the President of Tajikistan, solidifying cooperation with them as well.
**News Article:**

**Pakistan Seeks Stronger Ties with Russia, Assures Respect for India Relationship**

**Beijing -** In a meeting held on September 2, 2025, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Beijing, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed strengthening bilateral relations. Sharif explicitly stated Pakistan’s respect for Russia’s existing relationship with India while expressing his country’s ambition to forge stronger ties with Moscow.

“We respect your relations with India. That is perfectly fine,” Sharif assured Putin. “But we also want to build very strong relations [with Russia]. And these relations will be supplementary and complementary for the good and for the progress and prosperity of the region.”

Sharif thanked Putin for Russia’s support of Pakistan, viewing it as a regional balancing factor. He outlined a vision for expanded cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, defense, artificial intelligence, and cultural exchange. Putin acknowledged the positive development of Russia-Pakistan ties and emphasized the role of the SCO in fostering regional security and stability.

The two leaders engaged in discussions about regional and global concerns, including the situations in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They also touched on the issues of Palestine and Kashmir, indicating a broad range of topics under consideration.

Sharif accepted Putin’s invitation to visit Russia in November for an SCO heads of government meeting, signaling a commitment to further engagement.

The meeting highlights the ongoing evolution of Russia-Pakistan relations, moving away from Cold War tensions towards increased cooperation. Separately, Sharif also met with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, further solidifying ties in the region.

Read More