Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia on Thursday announced to promote friendly bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.

An agreement to this effect was reached at during a meeting between Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Russian Ambassador Alexey Dedov here, a report in Radio Pakistan said.

Discussions between the dignitaries revolved around bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, law and order, and defence sectors.

While Mr Qureshi hailed Russia’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan, the Russian Ambassador assured him of his country’s cooperation in various sectors.