Reports of PM Imran's participation in Eastern Economic Forum in Russia 'speculative', says Foreign Office
July 09, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Media reports regarding Prime Minister Imran Khan's participation in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Russia on the invitation of President Vladmir Putin "are speculative", a spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Office said on Tuesday.
The clarification from the Foreign Ministry comes after Pakistani media, quoting diplomatic sources, reported that President Putin had extend an invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September as a special guest.
The media also reported that the prime minister had accepted the Russian president's invitation, which was reportedly extended during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek last month.
But the Foreign Office now says that any such media reports are based on speculation.
"Reports appearing in media about Prime Minister’s participation in Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Russia are speculative," Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said in a statement.
"Pakistan and Russia remain in contact about engagement at the highest level. Any announcement in this regard would be made formally at appropriate time," he said.
The EEF is scheduled to be held from September 4 to 6 in Vladivostok.
Launched by Russia, the EEF serves as a platform for discussion on important issues in global economy, regional integration, and development. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East.
