LAHORE: Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed supply of oil and gas from Russia to Pakistan on long-term basis.

During meeting at premier’s residence here, two sides agreed on importance of energy sector for development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

Two sides also reviewed matters related to gas pipelines, PM Office statement said.

PM highlighted importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Russian Federation. He recalled his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand in September 2022 and said that meeting had reached important decisions to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relations.

He noted with satisfaction keen desire on both sides to upgrade bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic matters.

Russian Energy Minister reciprocated PM’s sentiments and delivered special message of Russian President Vladimir Putin to him.

In his message, President Putin referring to Pakistan as Russia’s important partner in South Asia and Islamic World reiterated Russia’s strong interest to deepen bilateral relationship.

PM provided guidance for work of 8th Round of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting scheduled to be held in Islamabad today.

In December, a Pakistani delegation had visited Russia. During the visit, Russia confirmed the availability of 100,000 barrels per day crude oil supply to Pakistan, and it was reported that a delegation from Moscow would visit Islamabad in January to set terms for a deal, including rates and mode of payment.

Prior to that, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said that besides gas, Russia had also offered to provide wheat to Pakistan in the wake of catastrophic floods. “Russia has said that it can provide us wheat because in the coming days as we may have shortages […],” Asif had said at a press conference. The minister’s statements had come a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation returned from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan. However, despite being in talks for a long time, both sides have yet to formally enter into an agreement.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 20 2023

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