Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on the 75^th anniversary of the Republic’s independence.

The message reads, in part:

“Your nation has achieved considerable economic and social progress over the recent decades. Islamabad enjoys well-deserved authority on the world stage, playing an important role in solving urgent issues on the international agenda.

The relationship between our countries is at a high level. Russia and Pakistan are active partners in the bilateral setting and as part of multilateral formats on a range of issues, including on combating terrorism and on Afghanistan.

I am confident that our joint efforts will ensure continued development of the entire range of the Russian-Pakistani ties for the benefit of our two nations and in the interests of strengthening regional security and stability.”