Russian foreign minister arrives

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday arrived here on a two-day visit to Pakistan to hold bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on different areas of mutual interest. Upon his arrival at the Benazir International Airport, the Russian Foreign Minister was greeted by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He is scheduled to hold formal talks with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar today (Thursday) on different aspects of bilateral relations, with special focus on economic ties. On the conclusion of their talks, the two foreign ministers will address a joint news conference on Friday.
Sources said the two sides are expected to sign different memoranda of understanding for greater co-operation in various spheres. The sides will also discuss the Third Session of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Govern-mental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation, which would be held in Moscow next year. Lavrov is visiting the country in the backdrop of deferment of Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled visit from October 02 to 03. Putin deferred his much awaited Pakistan's visit, which also led to postponement of Quadrilateral Summit of Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, scheduled for October 2 to 3, 2012.
The Russian Foreign Minister's arriving in Pakistan coincided with Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani's visit to Russia. He embarked on a four-day visit to Russia on Wednesday. According to Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Lavrov is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Hina Rabbani Khar. Khar extended invitation to him during her last visit to Moscow in February this year.
He said Pakistan and Russia enjoy an excellent relationship based on mutuality of interest in enhancing greater bilateral co-operation and convergence of views on various important regional and international issues. He further said the two countries also share the common objective of peace and stability in the broader region and attach importance to regional connectivity both in terms of trade and energy co-operation.
He said the visit of Foreign Minister Lavrov would provide an opportunity to further expand and intensify the existing mutually beneficial bilateral ties. During his stay in Islamabad, the spokesman said Foreign Minister Lavrov is also scheduled to call on the President and the Prime Minister.