Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Syed Tariq Fatemi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the first day of his official visit to the Russian Federation, reaffirming both countries” commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in key sectors including energy, connectivity, and trade.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office here on Wednesday, during the meeting, Fatemi conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed the Russian leadership on recent developments in South Asia.

He expressed Pakistan’s concerns about rising regional tensions, particularly in the wake of India’s recent move to place the Indus Waters Treaty in “abeyance,” warning of the serious implications such actions could have on regional stability.

Foreign Minister Lavrov welcomed the continued momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations, noting progress in collaborative initiatives such as the development of new steel mills and infrastructure connectivity projects.

He emphasized Moscow’s interest in strengthening ties with Islamabad, especially within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with a particular focus on counter-terrorism efforts.

On the issue of Pakistan-India relations, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s long-standing support for the normalization of ties between the two South Asian neighbors, stressing that improved bilateral relations would contribute positively to regional peace.

Before the meeting concluded, SAPM Fatemi personally handed over a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling the importance Pakistan places on its growing partnership with Russia.