Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan will pay a two-day official visit to Russia on February 23 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This is the first visit to Russia by a Pakistani leader in 23 years, a significant one given President Putin’s recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.
Mr Khan is said to have been invited to the trip in a telephone conversation between the two leaders before the Ukraine crisis.
“During the meeting, the two leaders will discuss bilateral relations as well as cooperation in energy projects,” a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.
Pakistani officials said the issue of Afghanistan would also be discussed during the meeting.
Mr Khan’s visit is expected to focus on economic and trade issues, but experts say it also has a political message.
Experts say it could also send a message that Pakistan may be trying to join the anti-Western coalition.
Pakistani officials say they also have good relations with Ukraine, and the impact of Mr Khan’s visit cannot be underestimated.
