ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting.

The leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral, contemporary regional and global issues. Both leaders agreed that relations have strengthened. Trade, energy, security, culture, education and people-to-people contact were identified as avenues for enhanced future cooperation.

The leaders agreed that the bilateral trade between the two nations has tremendous potential. They agreed to work together to further enhance economic ties and increase the trade volumes.—PR