ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Pakistani leadership on the country’s 75th Independence Day and lauded its success in economic and social development.

“President Putin congratulated President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the 75th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Pakistan,” the Russian Embassy in Pakistan said in a tweet.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in Lahore, with special prayers for Pakistan’s prosperity in mosques.

The Russian president’s message noted Pakistan’s “success in economic and social development, well-earned respect possessed by it on the international arena.”

Putin and Shehbaz had a phone call on April 12, 2022, during which the Russian president expressed hope that the prime minister would further boost the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

“Vladimir Putin underlined the high level of Russia-Pakistan relations, active interaction in bilateral and multilateral formats. He expressed the belief that with joint efforts Pakistan and Russia ensure further development of bilateral ties for the good of our peoples,” it said.

Earlier, Ivan Nechayev, the deputy director of the Russian foreign ministry’s Information and Press Department, extended congratulations to Pakistan on Independence Day.

He highlighted Pakistan’s significant role in regional and international affairs, cultural heritage, and achievements in socioeconomic development.

“Russian-Pakistani relations are developing rapidly. Amid the turbulent international situation, our countries continue to maintain a regular political dialogue and carry out constructive cooperation with international organizations, primarily the UN and SCO. Trade and economic cooperation has significant potential,” it read.