ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has left for Russia on Monday on a four-day visit on the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. During his stay in Moscow, the foreign minister will hold official talks with his Russian counterpart. The two sides would deliberate upon the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit would provide opportunity to explore ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in political, economic, trade and investment, defence, education and cultural fields. Russia enjoys a special place in Pakistan’s foreign policy. The relations between the two countries have been growing steadily in all fields. Regular high level exchanges between the two countries in the last few years is a manifestation of mutual desire of both sides for translating political goodwill into a substantive and multidimensional partnership. The two countries are also celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The two foreign ministers earlier met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September 2017. Published in Daily Times, February 20th 2018.