ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin has described relations with Pakistan as “mutually beneficial,” according to a social media post by his country’s embassy in Pakistan on Friday, as he met newly appointed Pakistani ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi during a credentials ceremony in Moscow.

Pakistan and Russia have steadily strengthened bilateral ties in recent years while working to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and connectivity.

“We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the largest regional organization in terms of economic, technological, and human potential,” Putin was quoted as saying in a post on X. “Russia

Pakistan relations are genuinely mutually beneficial.”

In recent years, Pakistan and Russia have pledged to deepen economic ties, explore barter trade and energy deals, and boost people-to-people contacts. High-level visits have also taken place between officials of both countries, highlighting interest in expanding cooperation in technology, agriculture and transport.

Last December, Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Russia and Pakistan were in talks on a potential oil-sector agreement.

Earlier, in May, Pakistan and Russia agreed to establish a steel mill in Karachi, aiming to boost bilateral ties and expand industrial collaboration.

The two countries are also working on the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline, a major infrastructure project aimed at transporting imported gas from Karachi to Punjab to help meet Pakistan’s energy needs.

In 2023, Pakistan and Russia also discussed a deal for the delivery of Russian crude to Pakistan, and talks have continued on broader energy partnerships.