ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Thursday formalised their commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The agreement, signed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Pakistan`s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, hassetthe stageforenhancing cooperation in key sectors including trade, energy, connectivity and defence.

The signing followed a meeting between Mr Overchuk and PrimeMinister Shehbaz Sharif, where both sides reaffirmed the importance of expanding their relationship across multiple domains.

Mr Sharif, while talking to the Russian delegation, reiterated the government`s stance that strengtheningrelations with Russia was a priority for Pakistan`s foreign policy.

Mr Sharif said he looks forward to welcoming Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Islamabad next month for attending the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation`s Council of Heads of Governments meeting.

Trade, energy cooperation The MoU builds on talks held between the two countries during delegation-level discussions at Pakistan`s Foreign Office a day earlier, where both sides explored avenues for boosting trade and overcoming logistical hurdles in the face of international sanctions on Russia.

A notable outcome of the discussions at the Foreign Office was Russia`s offer to explore a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union.

The discussions, during Mr Overchuk`s visit, also touched on cultural and educational exchanges, with both countries seeking to deepen people-topeople ties.