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Summary Russia has endorsed Pakistans bid to get full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made this announcement in response to Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s address at the 10th Heads of Government meeting of SCO. The Russian Premier also supported Prime Minister Gilani’s proposals for implementing trade and energy projects. He announced financing $0.5 billion 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 termed his meeting with “very pleasant” and expressed satisfaction over bilateral and trade ties between the two countries. “Pakistan is important for us in trade and economy and it is an important partner in South Asia and in Islamic world,” he added.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.
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