Pakistan's foreign minister has held talks with his visiting Ukrainian counterpart.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told Dmytro Kuleba that Islamabad seeks closer ties with Kyiv.

Thursday's bilateral meeting comes after Pakistan began importing crude oil from Russia.

Bhutto said building trade and economic ties is a priority area for Pakistan. He said his country hopes to build a mutually beneficial relationship with Ukraine that contributes to the prosperity and well-being of both nations.

Kuleba is making his first trip to Pakistan.
The foreign minister accused Russia of undermining global food security.

On Monday, Moscow pulled out of an agreement allowing shipments of grain from Ukraine.

Bhutto said he'd try to discuss with the UN chief and his counterparts in Turkey and Russia restoring those exports, pointing out developing countries stand to suffer from the collapsed grain deal, too.

Pakistan's economy is in a dire situation following devastating floods last year. The country is also badly short of foreign exchange reserves.

Amid rising energy prices, Pakistan has been struggling to import oil. In response, it's beefed up trade ties with Russia, which is struggling under Western economic sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.

Islamabad faces the awkward challenge of balancing ties with both Kyiv and Moscow.