Federal Minister for Energy and Co-Chairman of Pak-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Awais Leghari has said that there is vast potential for strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Russia, it was reported on Friday.
In an interview with Russian news agency Sputnik, Leghari said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had availed every opportunity to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the global stage, with both leaders expressing interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
He said Russian cooperation was crucial for regional peace, security and economic development, adding that the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, which he co-chairs with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, provides an effective platform for advancing cooperation across various sectors.
Leghari said Pakistan and Russia had significant opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food security, energy, tourism and information technology.
He added that bilateral trade could be further enhanced through new rail links and Pakistan’s participation in the International North-South Transport Corridor.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, Leghari said any attempt to deprive Pakistan of its water rights would be equivalent to a “declaration of war.”
He stressed the need to follow the treaty’s dispute-resolution mechanisms, warning that the consequences of the water issue could extend beyond the region and have far-reaching implications.
