Russia would continue its supply of oil to Pakistan if prices of oil remain stable: Russian Envoy Danila Ganich

ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 (SABAH): Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan Danila Ganich has said that Russia would continue its supply of oil to Pakistan if prices of oil remain stable.

Danila Ganich addressed the topic titled “Pakistan-Russia Relations, and the Way Ahead” at Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Wednesday. The ambassador also answered the questions of the participants and media persons in detail.

Replying a question regarding the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pakistan, the ambassador replied the questioner he expected that Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a visit to Pakistan sooner than later; however, he has no right to make comment on the decisions of the president, adding that our foreign ministry spokesperson has also no right regarding answering this question. Danila Ganich said that it would be his desire that Vladimir Putin should visit Pakistan sooner than later.

Replying a question regarding the ouster of Imran Khan in connection with the Moscow visit, the ambassador said, “We respect him, we had very fruitful interaction when he was in Moscow, as for internal affairs we do not interfere, ouster of Imran Khan from power is internal affair of Pakistan,” adding that he is a guest in Pakistan and he has no right to comment who is right and who is not. He said that Imran Khan is a legend, he was captain of the cricket team when Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup, adding that Imran Khan is legendary in Pakistan and abroad and in his view, Imran Khan is very honest person and very courageous.

He said that in April 1999 Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Russia, in 2002 former president general (retd) Parvez Musharraf visited Russia, in 2011 former president Asif Ali Zardari visited Russia and in February 2022 Imran Khan visited Russia as prime minister.

Replying a question, Danila Ganich said that former prime minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Samarqand on the occasion of the SCO conference, adding that he knew where Imran Khan currently is.

He further said that Russia supported Pakistan on the issue of marking a day against Islamophobia and added they consider it unfair to commit blasphemy of any religion as it is a silly act. He said that no one could be also to commit such acts on the name of freedom of expression. He said at present the volume of trade between Pakistan and Russia is $ 700 million which should be increased and added there is a capacity to enhance it. He went on to say that much could be done on the enhancing trade volume between both the countries.

He noted that there would be threat of nuclear war only when Russia would face danger to its existence. Nuclear war can start if NATO directly attacks Russia.

The ambassador further said if all the people of Ukraine were killed during the war with Russia, it could not win the war against Russia as it has very meager population as compared to Russia. In each and every situation, Russia is supposed to win the war against Ukraine, he said and added even the US could not predict what would be the affect of this war. He said that this war could mainly affect European Union as earlier they were buying cheap gas from Russia and now the US is selling them costly gas.

He said that Russia acknowledges Pakistani sacrifices in war against terrorism, adding that more than 80 thousand Pakistanis presented sacrifices of their lives, adding that Pakistan faced $115 billion economic loss due to the war against terrorism.

Replying a question, Danila Ganich said that recognizing the Afghan Taliban’s government in Afghanistan should be made at the international level, adding that Russia can not make unilateral decision regarding the matter.

Danila Ganich said according to the survey of the international organization LEWADA, Vladimir Putin is the favorite personality of over 80 percent Russians.