Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has begun his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media reported.

       PM Imran will exchange views on international and regional issues during his meeting with Putin, according to Radio Pakistan. The two leaders are also expected to discuss bilateral relations, especially cooperation in the energy sector.

       Matters pertaining to Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan may also come under discussion.

       Before the meeting, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who is part of PM Imran's delegation in Moscow, confirmed that the premier was on his way to meet President Putin, debunking "speculation" regarding the premier's visit being cut short amid Ukraine-Russia tensions.

       Sharing the update on Twitter, Chaudhry said after the meeting between both leaders, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Valentinovich Novak would call on PM Imran and the delegation accompanying him at the hotel where they are staying.

       In a tweet, the information minister said the premier's "visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule".

       Chaudhry's clarification came after a report by Associated Press claimed that the prime minister was ending his Moscow trip.

       Earlier today (Thursday), PM Imran laid a floral wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow in a tribute to the casualties of World War II.

       PM Imran arrived in Moscow yesterday on a two-day official visit, where he was greeted by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov upon his arrival. He was also presented a guard of honour.

       According to Dawn News correspondent Adil Shahzeb, who is currently in Moscow, the PM's "important meeting" with Putin has been extended to three hours, which was early scheduled for an hour.

       However, he quoted some diplomatic sources as saying the PM's schedule could be changed at any time.

       Qureshi meets Lavrov

       Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow as both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

       Qureshi said Pakistan attaches special importance to bilateral relations with Russia. He said relations between Pakistan and Russia have gradually strengthened.

       Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi along with other officials hold a meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow on Thursday. — Picture via Foreign Office

       "Pakistan pursues economic priorities and promotes regional ties in the light of PM Imran Khan's vision," Qureshi told his Russian counterpart.

       Lavrov congratulated Qureshi and Pakistani leadership on the success of the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan held in Islamabad in December last year and also expressed best wishes regarding the upcoming meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad next month.

       The last Pakistani premier to visit Russia was Nawaz Sharif in March 1999, while former president Asif Ali Zardari came to Moscow in 2011.

       PM Imran's visit is viewed by many in and outside Pakistan with much anticipation though the Pakistan government terms it a prelude to greater relationship in strategic, energy and regional connectivity.

       The timing of the visit has been discussed threadbare but top Pakistani government officials term it one of the rarest opportunities for the energy-starved country to make headway in energy, regional connectivity and role in Afghanistan post US withdrawal.

       National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, however, had rejected the notion about the timing of the visit. “Yes there is a global tension but our visit is of bilateral nature and the similar path was taken in the visit to China where economy, economic indicators and connectivity was at the heart of that tour,” he had said.