ISLAMABAD, DEC 24 (DNA): Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, along with delegation called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at Islamabad Sunday.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chairperson BISP Ms. Marvi Memon, MNA Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar and senior officers were present during the meeting.

While welcoming Chairman of the State Duma to Pakistan, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan attaches high priority to its relations with the Russian Federation.

 He added that Pakistan desires to forge a long-term and multi-faceted partnership with Russia in all areas of cooperation including trade and energy sector. The Prime Minister said that there existed huge potential between the two countries to further enhance their trade volume and strengthen bilateral economic ties.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a strong partnership between Pakistan and Russia would contribute towards promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation.

The Prime Minister observed that the six-party Conference of the Speakers is a useful platform to regularly interact and enhance cooperation in the field of counter terrorism, regional security and connectivity.

Highlighting counter-terrorism efforts of the country, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan has paid the heaviest price in the global war against terrorism. Our struggle is to secure peace of not only the region but the entire world, continued the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has abiding interest in peace and stability in Afghanistan and believes that there was no military solution to the conflict in the neighbouring country. We will continue to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led solution in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the issue of drug trade in the region which he said was the greatest threat to peace being the source of funding for the terrorist activities.

Vyacheslav Volodin thanked Prime Minister for warm welcome and said that enhanced trade ties between the two countries would serve to provide a solid base for forging greater cooperation and strengthening of bilateral relations.

Mr. Vyacheslav Volodin also appreciated the role of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq towards strengthening of Pak-Russia relations through parliamentary forum. He conveyed the strong desire of his country for establishing long-term and strengthened relations with Pakistan.

Later the Prime Minister also hosted a dinner in honor of visiting Speakers from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russian Federation and Turkey. =DNA

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