Moscow & Islamabad engaged in pursuing a comprehensive plan of cooperation in the gas sector: Nikolay Shulginov

ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (SABAH): 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.

Replying to a question about the outcome of the last meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Government Commission held in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, Nikolay Shulginov said construction of Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline from Karachi to Lahore was discussed in that session and now we are to sign necessary documents in this regard. Expressing satisfaction on the outcome of the previous meeting, he said several issues have been resolved, but we would continue our cooperation to solve the pending ones.

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.