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Putin congratulates Sharif on taking office of Pakistani prime minister

The Russian president hailed the friendly and constructive nature of bilateral relations

MOSCOW, April 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Shahbaz Sharif on being elected Pakistani Prime Minister and expressed hope for further development of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

"Dear Mr. Sharif, I would like to sincerely congratulate you on your being elected Pakistani Prime Minister," Putin’s congratulatory telegram reads.

The Russian president hailed the friendly and constructive nature of bilateral relations. "I hope your activities as the head of government will promote further development of comprehensive Russian-Pakistani cooperation, partner relations in the spheres of the Afghan settlement and countering international terrorism," Putin wrote. He also wished Sharif every success, good health and prosperity.

Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) Shahbaz Sharif was elected Pakistan’s 23rd Prime Minister on April 11. The voting took place at the National Assembly (342-seat lower parliament house). Sharif won 174 votes.

Shahbaz Sharif, 70, a younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, who was Pakistan’s Prime Minister three times, succeeded Imran Khan who was removed from office on April 10 after a no-confidence vote.

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