ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan wants to strengthen bilateral ties with Russia, local media reported.

According to sources, the premier has written a counter letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the reply letter, PM Shehbaz thanked President Putin for the congratulatory message, sources said.

In this picture taken on March 28, 2022, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif (2L) addresses a news conference along with other leaders in Islamabad. - Pakistan lawmakers on April 11 elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country's new prime minister following the weekend ouster of Imran Khan, who resigned his national assembly seat -- along with most of his party members -- ahead of the vote. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)In this picture taken on March 28, 2022, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif (2L) addresses a news conference along with other leaders in Islamabad. – Pakistan lawmakers on April 11 elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister following the weekend ouster of Imran Khan, who resigned his national assembly seat — along with most of his party members — ahead of the vote. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)According to the text of the letter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would like to support Russia on the issue of Afghanistan. The Russian president had written a letter last week congratulating Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the prime minister. He also expressed the desire to deepen cooperation between the two countries. Foreign Office officials said resetting ties with Russia was a decision taken by the state long time back, keeping in view the changing regional and international alignments.

Want to boost ties with Russia, Shehbaz responds to Putin (msn.com)