A delegation led by the Russian Energy Minister Mr Nikolay Shulginov called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore today.
Moscow & Islamabad engaged in pursuing a comprehensive plan of cooperation in the gas sector: Nikolay ShulginovSays we have always been building relations in the spirit of trust, mutual respect & benefit
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
A delegation led by the Russian Energy Minister Mr Nikolay Shulginov called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore today. Welcoming the delegation the Prime Minister highlighted the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with the Russian Federation. He recalled his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand in September 2022 and said that the meeting had reached important decisions to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relations. He also noted with satisfaction the keen desire on both the sides to upgrade the bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic matters. The Russian Energy Minister reciprocated Prime Minister’s sentiments and delivered a special message of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Prime Minister. In his message, President Putin referring to Pakistan as Russia’s important partner in South Asia and the Islamic World reiterated Russia’s strong interest to deepen the bilateral relationship. Both sides agreed on the importance of energy sector for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations. In this regard views were exchanged on supplying oil and gas from Russia to Pakistan on a long term basis. Matters related to gas pipelines were also reviewed. The Prime Minister provided guidance for the work of 8th Round of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting scheduled to be held in Islamabad on 20 January 2023.
Earlier Russian Minister for Energy Nikolay Shulginov says Moscow and Islamabad are engaged in pursuing a comprehensive plan of cooperation in the gas sector.
In an interview with the state-run TV channel on Thursday, Nikolay Shulginov said our goal is to develop business relations with Pakistan. He said we are discussing cooperation in various fields, including energy, industry, agriculture, and customs, education, and information technology. He, however, said that any other topic can also be discussed to deepen relationships and boost bilateral cooperation.
Answering a question, the Russian Minister said we are already prepared to sign customs cooperation. He said this year we will be celebrating 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia. Nikolay Shulginov said we have always been building relations in the spirit of trust, mutual respect and benefit. He said even in the difficult times, we managed to find common approaches to international problems.
Responding to a question about meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Nikolay Shulginov said they discussed gas projects, the current pending projects, including Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline, as well as finding gas resources. He said gas transit route from Russia to Central Asian states, Afghanistan and Pakistan or an alternative route through Iran was also deliberated upon. He, however, expressed the belief that such issues will be resolved during the 8th meeting. He said that apart from energy, the two heads of states also discussed other bilateral issues like diversifying trade.
Meanwhile Pakistan and Russia have agreed to establish working groups to enhance cooperation in diverse fields including oil and gas and energy sectors.
The consensus was reached at the second round of talks of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Government Commission session in Islamabad on second consecutive day on Thursday.
The delegation-level talks focused on energy, oil and gas, agriculture, trade, investment, industry, education and science and technology sectors.
They also discussed cooperation in communications, postal services and railway sectors. They reiterated the desire to advance cooperation in energy sector. The Russian delegation stressed the need that Pakistan should accelerate its efforts in research and science and technology sectors.