Imran Khan leaves for Russia, first visit by Pakistan PM in 23 years
India Today
Imran Khan's maiden visit to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin comes amid heightened tensions in the region between Russia and Ukraine.
Prime Minister Imran Khan today left for Russia on a two-day visit - the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades - during which he will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin and exchange views on major regional and international issues. Khan is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior members of his Cabinet.
According to the Foreign Office, the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Khan and President Putin will be the highlight of the visit.
"During the Summit meeting, the two leaders will review the entire array of bilateral relations including energy cooperation. They will also have a wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, including Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan," the Foreign Office said.
It said Imran Khan's visit will contribute to further deepening the multifaceted Pakistan-Russia bilateral relationship and enhancement of cooperation in diverse fields.
In a tweet, the Russian Foreign Office said that President Putin and Prime Minister Khan will hold talks in Moscow tomorrow.
Imran Khan's visit to Russia, which comes amid heightened Russia-Ukraine tensions, is believed to be a clear sign to the West, especially after he said no to Washington giving military bases in Pakistan following America's withdrawal from Afghanistan and not receiving a phone call from US President Joe Biden since he assumed office in the White House.
Prime Minister Khan has expressed hope for a "peaceful solution" to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as he emphasized that military conflicts could never solve problems.
