Pakistan PM Khan expresses 'much excitement' about Moscow visit as Russian forces pound Ukraine
Pakistan PM Khan expresses 'much excitement' about Moscow visit as Russian forces pound Ukraine
Pakistan PM arrived in Russia on a state visit on Wednesday evening amid Moscow's ground invasion of Ukraine several hours later, defying Washington's stance on President Putin's actions.
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Pakistan PM Imran Khan's visit to Russia comes as Moscow invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday [Getty]
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday for a two-day visit, hours before Moscow launched a devastating invasion of Ukraine, according to Reuters.
The visit of the Pakistani PM came amid a barrage of criticism from world leaders of President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday morning.
China, a key Pakistan ally, has so far failed to condemn the invasion in a major coup for Putin.
Russian state media broadcast images of the two leaders at a meeting while new sanctions were announced on Putin by the West.
It also showed Khan visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow as Russian forces pounded Ukrainian cities.
The timing of Khan's trip to Moscow - the first by a Pakistani prime minister in over 20 years - has been criticised for its timing, as it coincides with Russian aggression in Ukraine.
In a video clip shared online, Khan can be heard saying that he felt "so much excitement" about his visit, shortly after landing.
“What a time I have come, so much excitement", PM Imran Khan says after landing in Moscow, Russia #UkraineRussiaCrisis #Kiev #Putin #RussiaUkraine #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/RzKHEoTlij
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) February 24, 2022
The visit, which was planned over a month ago, is expected to focus on regional security cooperation, mutual concerns over Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Pakistan Stream's natural gas pipeline, which Russia wants to build between the port city of Karachi and Kasur, in the country's Punjab province.
Ties between the two countries have greatly improved in recent years, as Islamabad sees Moscow as means to reduce reliance on the US, who in turn has grown closer to Pakistan's regional rival India, according to Foreign Policy.
Breaking: State department's response to #PMIKInRussia
— پاکستانی رینچ 👨🏾🔧 (@NaikRooh) February 24, 2022
U.S has communicated its position to Pakistan on Russia-Ukraine conflict. You would have to ask Pakistani govt about the timing, we are not in a position to offer an assessment on that. Said @StateDeptSpox pic.twitter.com/ib56SA40sb
When asked about Khan's visit, the US State of Department’s spokesperson Ned Price responded that Washington is "aware" of his trip.
"We believe it's the responsibility of every responsible country around the world to voice concern and to voice objection to what Putin appears to have in mind for Ukraine," he added.
Price also said that Washington has communicated to Islamabad its position on Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine and briefed them on "efforts to pursue diplomacy over war".
A delegation of Sudanese officials headed to Russia on Wednesday to "strengthen cooperation" between the two countries.
On Thursday morning, Putin announced Russia's invasion of its neighbour, following weeks of tension.
The Russian military and Moscow-backed separatist forces have already taken over several regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.
At least 40 Ukrainian soldiers and 10 civilians have already been killed in the bombardments, according to presidential administration aide Oleksiy Arestovych.
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