ISLAMABAD, 8 April, 2021 (TON): Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi during which the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation.

The Russian FM arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a two-day visit.

"The importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority" and expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, Khan reiterated in a meeting on Wednesday.

Views were also exchanged on the health and economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, while Khan also congratulated Russia on its development of Sputnik-V vaccine and underscored Pakistan's procurement plans in this regard, according to the statement.

Khan stressed the importance of a negotiated political settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan and appreciated Russia's efforts in promoting the Afghan peace process.

Lavrov said during the joint meeting with Qureshi, that his country is ready to further build counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan through supply of military equipment.

"This serves in the interest of all states of the region," Lavrov said.

Both countries have agreed on conducting more joint military exercises, he added.

"Russia and Pakistan have agreed to further facilitate the agreement among Afghan parties through inclusive political dialogue," he said.

However, the Russian envoy asserted that the increase in bilateral trade is satisfactory and expressed readiness to further strengthen economic relations. Moreover, he showed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.