Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Manila, where he is attending ASEAN events. The meeting began in a friendly atmosphere with a handshake and both ministers addressing each other as 'my dear friend'.
The two foreign ministers, as in their phone call last April, again discussed regional issues. Among the topics were the situation in the Persian Gulf and Pakistan's mediating role in reaching lasting agreements between Iran and the US. Lavrov confirmed in the earlier call that Russia was ready to support these efforts.
Lavrov arrived in Manila on July 21 as part of his busy diplomatic schedule. During his visit, which runs until July 23, he is also taking part in the Russia-ASEAN, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum meetings.
Founded in 1967, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) comprises 11 member countries: Brunei, East Timor, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.