Russia, which holds the world’s fifth-largest reserves of rare earth metals, is planning to step up production in a bid to cut its reliance on Chinese imports. Russian President Vladimir Putin told officials on Friday that he had instructed the government to come up with a development programme for the sector by November. He announced during the opening session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Rare earth metals are used in technologies such as lasers, computer chips and military equipment.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-india-ties-at-worst-in-decades-ex-us-nsa-john-bolton-says-trump-ruined-ties-with-modi-pushed-new-delhi-closer-to-china-russia-1757044750382">US-India ties at 'worst in decades': Ex US NSA John Bolton says Trump ruined ties with Modi, pushed New Delhi closer to China, Russia</a><h2>US strikes new deal with Ukraine on minerals</h2>The timing of Putin’s announcement comes just months after the United States and Ukraine signed an economic investment deal giving Washington access to Ukrainian minerals. Ukraine’s economic development minister Yulia Svyrydenko described it as “an equal partnership” that covers mineral, oil and gas projects. Under the agreement, the US will provide direct financial or military assistance to Kyiv, while Ukraine will hand over half of the royalties from any future licences for oil, gas and mineral extraction.Officials have stressed that the pact does not create debt for Ukraine, nor does it involve current state revenues. Instead, profits will depend on new American investments.<h2>Why minerals matter for Washington</h2>The US push comes as China has tightened export restrictions on certain rare earths in retaliation for American tariffs. These minerals are vital for high-tech industries and defence systems. President Donald Trump previously floated the idea of buying Greenland, which is rich in critical minerals, but experts say Ukraine may offer a quicker, more practical source. Ukraine already has a skilled workforce and metallurgical expertise to extract and process rare earths, Svyrydenko noted.<h2>What does the deal cover?</h2>The agreement lists 55 minerals that fall under the US-Ukraine pact, with the possibility of adding more in the future. These include rare earth elements, titanium, lithium and uranium, all crucial for modern technology and weapons systems.<h2>What are rare earths?</h2>Rare earths are a group of 17 metallic elements used in a wide range of products. For instance, scandium strengthens aluminium alloys for aerospace, while yttrium is used in LEDs and fuel cells. China remains the world’s largest producer of rare earths and also dominates other critical minerals such as lithium and graphite, both essential for electric vehicle batteries.

Russia plans to boost rare earth metal production to reduce reliance on China, Putin announced. This follows a US-Ukraine minerals deal granting Washington access to Ukrainian resources in exchange for support.

Russia, which holds the world’s fifth-largest reserves of rare earth metals, is planning to step up production in a bid to cut its reliance on Chinese imports. Russian President Vladimir Putin told officials on Friday that he had instructed the government to come up with a development programme for the sector by November. He announced during the opening session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Rare earth metals are used in technologies such as lasers, computer chips and military equipment. Also read: US-India ties at 'worst in decades': Ex US NSA John Bolton says Trump ruined ties with Modi, pushed New Delhi closer to China, Russia US strikes new deal with Ukraine on minerals The timing of Putin’s announcement comes just months after the United States and Ukraine signed an economic investment deal giving Washington access to Ukrainian minerals. Ukraine’s economic development minister Yulia Svyrydenko described it as “an equal partnership” that covers mineral, oil and gas projects. Under the agreement, the US will provide direct financial or military assistance to Kyiv, while Ukraine will hand over half of the royalties from any future licences for oil, gas and mineral extraction. Officials have stressed that the pact does not create debt for Ukraine, nor does it involve current state revenues. Instead, profits will depend on new American investments. Why minerals matter for Washington The US push comes as China has tightened export restrictions on certain rare earths in retaliation for American tariffs. These minerals are vital for high-tech industries and defence systems. President Donald Trump previously floated the idea of buying Greenland, which is rich in critical minerals, but experts say Ukraine may offer a quicker, more practical source. Ukraine already has a skilled workforce and metallurgical expertise to extract and process rare earths, Svyrydenko noted. What does the deal cover? The agreement lists 55 minerals that fall under the US-Ukraine pact, with the possibility of adding more in the future. These include rare earth elements, titanium, lithium and uranium, all crucial for modern technology and weapons systems. What are rare earths? Rare earths are a group of 17 metallic elements used in a wide range of products. For instance, scandium strengthens aluminium alloys for aerospace, while yttrium is used in LEDs and fuel cells. China remains the world’s largest producer of rare earths and also dominates other critical minerals such as lithium and graphite, both essential for electric vehicle batteries.

Russia plans to boost rare earth metal production to reduce reliance on China, Putin announced. This follows a US-Ukraine minerals deal granting Washington access to Ukrainian resources in exchange for support.

Trying to woo Trump? Russia races for rare earths months after US seals Ukraine minerals deal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 6th Eastern Economic Forum. He said that India will be a reliable partner of Moscow in realising its vision in developing the country's Far East region.

6th Eastern Economic Forum: 'India will be a reliable partner of Russia', says PM Modi

The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content.

WION & Sputnik partnership announcement at EEF, Vladivostok

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga, who met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, discussed how India can help mitigate the impact of smog in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.

The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "President of Mongolia spoke of the success India is having in mitigating the pollution due to stubble burning of wheat in the winter months."

According to Indian Council of Agricultural Research, there have been 41% decline in burning of crop stubble in 2018 as compared to 2016 in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCR region due to central government measures.

Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga will be visiting India later this month. During his tour, Battulga will visit Delhi, Bodh Gaya and Bengaluru. India is helping the landlocked country build an oil refinery through a line of credit announced during PM Modi's visit to the country.&nbsp;

In 2015, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.

Mongolia, which is landlocked between Russia and China considers India as its "third neighbour" with which it has a spiritual connection.&nbsp;

Last few years have seen a number of high-level visits from India to Mongolia, including the visit of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in April 2018, former home minister Rajnath Singh in June 2018 and former minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju in July 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga, who met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, discussed how India can help mitigate the impact of smog in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga, who met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, discussed how India can help mitigate the impact of smog in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "President of Mongolia spoke of the success India is having in mitigating the pollution due to stubble burning of wheat in the winter months." According to Indian Council of Agricultural Research, there have been 41% decline in burning of crop stubble in 2018 as compared to 2016 in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCR region due to central government measures. Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga will be visiting India later this month. During his tour, Battulga will visit Delhi, Bodh Gaya and Bengaluru. India is helping the landlocked country build an oil refinery through a line of credit announced during PM Modi's visit to the country. In 2015, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. Mongolia, which is landlocked between Russia and China considers India as its "third neighbour" with which it has a spiritual connection. Last few years have seen a number of high-level visits from India to Mongolia, including the visit of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in April 2018, former home minister Rajnath Singh in June 2018 and former minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju in July 2018

On sidelines of EEF, PM Modi meets Mongolian President; offers help on mitigating smog

PM Modi's day-1 in Russia: Visit to shipbuilding complex, Judo championship and more

PM Modi is invited as a chief guest in Eastern Economic Forum at the Vladivostok, Russia. He departs for Vladivostok from India and he will reach by 4:30 AM tomorrow. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: PM Modi departs for Vladivostok, will reach by 4:30 AM tomorrow

PM Modi will leave for the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok on Tuesday for a 36-hour visit from September 4-5 during which he will participate at the Eastern Economic Forum as one of the chief guests and the 20th annual India-Russia summit that alternates between both the countries.

PM Modi will leave for the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok on Tuesday for a 36-hour visit from September 4-5 during which he will participate at the Eastern Economic Forum as one of the chief guests and the 20th annual India-Russia summit that alternates between both the countries. Interestingly, PM Modi and President Putin will visit a shipbuilding yard which makes vessels including icebreakers and oil tankers and attend a judo championship. A 6-member Indian team is in Vladivostok to take part in the championship. "We have a very special relationship with Russia. Annual summits are occasions to look at the entire gamut principally focusing on bilateral relations ", "Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. India believes its engagement with Russian far east will help its Indo-pacific engagement. With the opening of the northern sea route and arctic becoming the focus, New Delhi's presence in the region will meet its energy need. A five-year road map (2019-2024) will be announced on hydrocarbon cooperation both in term of purchase and exploration. COAL India and Steel Authority of India will sign MoUs with there Russian counterparts for export of coking coal and cooperation in the mining sector. Asked if Kamov Ka-226 or Ka 226 T --Russian utility helicopter contract will be signed, Foreign secretary said, "As far as I am aware there will be no announcement regarding any specific agreements that have been reached" An India-Russia business dialogue will take place and for this, a 50 member delegation from FICCI is in the Russian city. Eight to 10 business MoUs will be signed during PM's visit. Ahead of PM's visit, India's National security advisor Ajit Doval, External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Energy Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the country. Russia will train 4 Indian astronauts from November 2019 for India's manned mission to space Gaganyaan.

Economic forum, visit to shipyard, judo championship part of Modi's agenda during Russia visit 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be undertaking a two-day visit to Russia from September 4 during which he will take part in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) meeting and will also hold a bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Talking to reporters about the visit, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that two countries have a "special relationship" and the Prime Minister has emphasised on broadening relations with Russia beyond civil nuclear energy and defence to other areas of the economy.

He said oil and gas were among major areas of interest for India and one of the objectives did not have a dependence on any one country or region for imports.

Gokhale said Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum meeting as one of the chief guests was a signal of the importance that India attaches to the Russian Far East, an area about which India has had few links in the past.

He said India was also looking at the possibility of manpower exports.

"We are exploring the possibility of sending people with some skills in areas wherever there is manpower shortage. That is not limited to just Far East of Russia. This is an effort we are making in a number of countries. This is one area where we feel there is good potential," he said.

Gokhale said the proposal was at an early stage and there has been an encouraging response from Russia.

Noting that most of Russian Far East are either minerals sector or agricultural sector, he said, "We are not yet at the stage of implementing it immediately."

"We will proceed to explore it once the visit is over. It is important for us and we will give it a priority to this," he said.

Answering a query about the proposal to build a shipping link between Chennai and Vladivostok, he said there will be no immediate announcement of a shipping service between the two cities.

"There is a recognition that alternative route to Europe through the northern route is now a possibility and we should look at in terms of economic benefits it might bring us with the northeast of Asia and beyond," he said, adding that a lot of oil and gas finds were in the region.

"It is the start of a process. It will take a while," he said.

Gokhale said Modi will arrive at Vladivostok on September 4 morning and depart on September 5 evening.

Answering a query, he said Modi and Putin will discuss defence ties between the two countries but no announcements were expected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be undertaking a two-day visit to Russia from September 4 during which he will take part in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) meeting and will also hold a bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be undertaking a two-day visit to Russia from September 4 during which he will take part in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) meeting and will also hold a bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Talking to reporters about the visit, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that two countries have a "special relationship" and the Prime Minister has emphasised on broadening relations with Russia beyond civil nuclear energy and defence to other areas of the economy. He said oil and gas were among major areas of interest for India and one of the objectives did not have a dependence on any one country or region for imports. Gokhale said Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum meeting as one of the chief guests was a signal of the importance that India attaches to the Russian Far East, an area about which India has had few links in the past. He said India was also looking at the possibility of manpower exports. "We are exploring the possibility of sending people with some skills in areas wherever there is manpower shortage. That is not limited to just Far East of Russia. This is an effort we are making in a number of countries. This is one area where we feel there is good potential," he said. Gokhale said the proposal was at an early stage and there has been an encouraging response from Russia. Noting that most of Russian Far East are either minerals sector or agricultural sector, he said, "We are not yet at the stage of implementing it immediately." "We will proceed to explore it once the visit is over. It is important for us and we will give it a priority to this," he said. Answering a query about the proposal to build a shipping link between Chennai and Vladivostok, he said there will be no immediate announcement of a shipping service between the two cities. "There is a recognition that alternative route to Europe through the northern route is now a possibility and we should look at in terms of economic benefits it might bring us with the northeast of Asia and beyond," he said, adding that a lot of oil and gas finds were in the region. "It is the start of a process. It will take a while," he said. Gokhale said Modi will arrive at Vladivostok on September 4 morning and depart on September 5 evening. Answering a query, he said Modi and Putin will discuss defence ties between the two countries but no announcements were expected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Russia visit to strengthen economic ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-briefs-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-on-kashmir-discusses-upcoming-visit-of-pm-modi-to-russia-246240">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries.

"A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security," Jaishankar tweeted.

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A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorawieckiM</a> for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security. <a href="https://t.co/Eno1n9cjLa">pic.twitter.com/Eno1n9cjLa</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1166825047278804992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prior to this, he held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where a wide range of issues were discussed.

"A truly special and privileged strategic partnership. Discussed a wide range of issues in a very warm atmosphere with FM Lavrov. A meeting of minds on important questions of the day. Appreciated full understanding of India's core interests," Jaishankar had stated after the meeting.

They also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week.

Modi will be the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok which will be held from September 4 to 6.

The EEF is an international forum held each year since 2015 in September. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East that is famous for the world's largest mineral and energy reserves.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries. "A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security," Jaishankar tweeted. A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security. pic.twitter.com/Eno1n9cjLa — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2019 × Prior to this, he held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where a wide range of issues were discussed. "A truly special and privileged strategic partnership. Discussed a wide range of issues in a very warm atmosphere with FM Lavrov. A meeting of minds on important questions of the day. Appreciated full understanding of India's core interests," Jaishankar had stated after the meeting. They also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week. Modi will be the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok which will be held from September 4 to 6. The EEF is an international forum held each year since 2015 in September. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East that is famous for the world's largest mineral and energy reserves.

Foreign minister Jaishankar holds meeting with Poland Prime Minister, discusses mutual cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-to-meet-russian-counterpart-sergey-lavrov-in-moscow-on-august-27-244865">two-day visit to Moscow</a> beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month.

This will be Jaishankar's first visit to the Russian capital after assuming office in May.

"External Affairs Minister and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take stock of preparations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister to Vladivostok to participate in the 5th Annual Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest and the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The two foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The External Affairs Minister will meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Both of them will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation, according to the statement.

"During his visit, External Affairs Minister will also participate in Valdai Discussion Club interaction on the theme of India`s perspective of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Moscow beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Moscow beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month. This will be Jaishankar's first visit to the Russian capital after assuming office in May. "External Affairs Minister and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take stock of preparations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister to Vladivostok to participate in the 5th Annual Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest and the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The two foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. The External Affairs Minister will meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Both of them will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation, according to the statement. "During his visit, External Affairs Minister will also participate in Valdai Discussion Club interaction on the theme of India`s perspective of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

Foreign minister Jaishankar to pay two-day visit to Russia next week

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has apparently not been invited by Russia for the Eastern Economic Forum which will happen in the port city of Vladivostok, the Russian Foreign Ministry clarified in a statement.

The statement came after Pakistani media reported last week that an invite was extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pakistan Prime Minister during the Shanghai cooperation organization summit in Bishkek last month.

Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement said,"We drew attention to the publications in a number of South Asian media that the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan was invited to the events of the Eastern Economic Forum (WEF-5) in Vladivostok (September 4-6, this year) as the guest of honour...".

Explaining, "We expect that the President of Mongolia H Battulga, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Malaysia M Mohammad and the Prime Minister of Japan S Abe will arrive" in Vladivostok.

Overall 3 Prime Ministers and one President will be attending the forum.&nbsp;

The forum meeting that began in 2015 aims to garner investment in Russia's far east region.

PM Modi will be going for the forum meeting as a special guest. Russian President Vladimir Putin had extended the invite during a telephonic conversation on January 1 and reiterated the invite during a conversation in February.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has apparently not been invited by Russia for the Eastern Economic Forum which will happen in the port city of Vladivostok, the Russian Foreign Ministry clarified in a statement.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has apparently not been invited by Russia for the Eastern Economic Forum which will happen in the port city of Vladivostok, the Russian Foreign Ministry clarified in a statement. The statement came after Pakistani media reported last week that an invite was extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pakistan Prime Minister during the Shanghai cooperation organization summit in Bishkek last month. Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement said,"We drew attention to the publications in a number of South Asian media that the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan was invited to the events of the Eastern Economic Forum (WEF-5) in Vladivostok (September 4-6, this year) as the guest of honour...". Explaining, "We expect that the President of Mongolia H Battulga, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Malaysia M Mohammad and the Prime Minister of Japan S Abe will arrive" in Vladivostok. Overall 3 Prime Ministers and one President will be attending the forum. The forum meeting that began in 2015 aims to garner investment in Russia's far east region. PM Modi will be going for the forum meeting as a special guest. Russian President Vladimir Putin had extended the invite during a telephonic conversation on January 1 and reiterated the invite during a conversation in February.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan not invited at Eastern Economic Forum, clarifies Russia

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Russia in September this year, a report said on Saturday.

The visit comes after an invitation was extended to Khan by Russia President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Kyrgyzstan earlier this month.

"Would be delighted if you would come to the Multilateral conference in Russia", Putin had said to Khan during lunch, as the conference was concluding.

The report says, Imran Khan happily accepted the invitation and will visit Russia to attend Eastern Economic Forum as a special guest. The summit will take place in Vladivostok city from September 4 to 6.&nbsp;

The invite is being seen as a new chapter in Pakistan-Russia diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already been invited for the EEF meet in Vladivostok. Russian President Vladimir Putin had extended the invite during his conversation with PM Modi on January 1 and reiterated his invited in February again.&nbsp;

During the SCO summit, the Imran Khan&nbsp;and Putin engaged in an informal conversation on many occasions. Both leaders were&nbsp;also seen standing next to each other during the photo sessions.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in June following the SCO summit, in an interview with Russian government-owned news agency Sputnik, Imran Khan had said that he hopes to come to Russia for an official visit. He had also said that "it was important that the two countries move closer."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the Eastern Economic Forum. If PM Modi attends the meeting then it will be the second time both leaders, PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart will be under the same roof since the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Russia in September this year, a report said on Saturday. The visit comes after an invitation was extended to Khan by Russia President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Kyrgyzstan earlier this month.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Russia in September this year, a report said on Saturday. The visit comes after an invitation was extended to Khan by Russia President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Kyrgyzstan earlier this month. "Would be delighted if you would come to the Multilateral conference in Russia", Putin had said to Khan during lunch, as the conference was concluding. The report says, Imran Khan happily accepted the invitation and will visit Russia to attend Eastern Economic Forum as a special guest. The summit will take place in Vladivostok city from September 4 to 6. The invite is being seen as a new chapter in Pakistan-Russia diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already been invited for the EEF meet in Vladivostok. Russian President Vladimir Putin had extended the invite during his conversation with PM Modi on January 1 and reiterated his invited in February again. During the SCO summit, the Imran Khan and Putin engaged in an informal conversation on many occasions. Both leaders were also seen standing next to each other during the photo sessions. Meanwhile, in June following the SCO summit, in an interview with Russian government-owned news agency Sputnik, Imran Khan had said that he hopes to come to Russia for an official visit. He had also said that "it was important that the two countries move closer." Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the Eastern Economic Forum. If PM Modi attends the meeting then it will be the second time both leaders, PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart will be under the same roof since the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to visit Russia in September; will attend Eastern Economic Forum as special guest