Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in a telephonic discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday, focusing on rescheduling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s previously planned trip to Russia. The prime minister had canceled his official visit due to regional instability following the US-Israel attack on Iran, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office last month.
Russian media had initially reported that PM Shehbaz was scheduled to visit Russia from March 3 to 5. In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, both leaders emphasized the significance of sustaining regular high-level interactions and explored the possibility of arranging new dates for the prime minister’s visit at a time convenient for both nations.
During their conversation, they also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation within multilateral forums aimed at supporting international peace and security. Notably, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov acknowledged Pakistan’s positive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar, who also serves as the foreign minister, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing issues. Furthermore, he extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Lavrov to visit Pakistan. Both officials agreed to maintain close communication to further enhance bilateral cooperation, concluding the discussion on a constructive note.
