Russia
on Monday, for the first time, publicly endorsed Pakistan’s bid to get
full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Russian
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made this announcement in response to
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s address at the 10th Heads of
Government meeting of SCO, at the Constantine Palace here.The Russian
Premier also supported Prime Minister Gilani’s proposals for
implementing trade and energy projects.He announced financing 0.5
billion US dollars for the CASA-1000 that would ensure power
transmission from Turkmenistan Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan and
Afghanistan.Putin said in practical and tangible terms, Russia wants
materialization of projects including TAPI
(Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline project and the
Central Asia South Asia Electricity Trade and Transmission Project (CASA
1000).
Later, the two leaders
held bilateral meeting and discussed several important issues including
fight against terrorism and extremism, besides calling for the need to
adopt regional approach towards dealing with major challenges.
Putin offered Russia’s assistance in expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills and provision of technical support for the Guddu and Muzaffargarh power plants.
He said Russia could facilitate Pakistan in the execution of Thar Coal Project.
Gilani said this was his fourth meeting with Prime Minister Putin. He mentioned that he joined other leaders at the SCO forum despite the occasion of Eid, because of the importance of the forum and also of Pakistan’s commitment to the regional issues.
He appreciated Russia’s support for mega projects including CASA 1000.
Putin supported Pakistan’s stance on war on terror and agreed to pursue the policy of counter-terrorism for ensuring regional peace.
The two Prime Ministers agreed that collective regional efforts were required to eliminate terrorism from the region to usher in peace and stability, and re-direct all energies towards economic interaction among the members of SCO. APP
