Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, December 4, AZERTAC

The Russian Federation and Pakistan have discussed expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation; both the countries are also keen to expand bilateral connectivity. Pakistan is likely to start importing Russian crude oil at a discounted rate on the offer of Russia early next year.

A high level delegation led by Pakistan’s Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Khan Leghari is presently on a visit to Russian capital Moscow where he held meetings with Russian officials including Russian Federation’s Minister for Transport Roman Starovoyt and discussed with him multiple issues.

Pakistan’s Minister is visiting the Russian capital to co-chair the 9th Session of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) meeting. During the meeting with the Russian Minister, the prospects of expanding bilateral connectivity were discussed. Both the dignitaries appreciated the growing level of cooperation between the Russian Federation and Pakistan.

Moreover, both sides took stock of all bilateral cooperation projects in the transport sector including road, rail and air. During their meeting, both sides agreed to continue contacts and enhance cooperation.

As per the reports, Pakistan may soon start importing Russian crude oil at a discounted rate on the offer of Russia. During the IGC meeting, both sides have agreed to restart crude oil trade from January next year. In this regard, Pakistan will import 12 cargoes from Russia in one year under the new understanding reached between the two countries.

During the meeting in Moscow, Pakistan’s Minister for Energy and Russian Minister for Transport have assessed prospects of expanding bilateral connectivity which would not only benefit the two countries but the whole region. Earlier the Pakistani Minister invited the Russian Transport Minister to visit Pakistan, both sides have also agreed to continue contacts and enhance cooperation.

It is worth mentioning that the first ever Pakistan-Russia Trade Forum was held in September 2024 which resulted in the signing of a Barter Trade Agreement between the two countries. The Russian federation and Pakistan are enhancing their bilateral relationship through enhanced integration, connectivity, trade, and commerce.

The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia have grown rapidly in recent years, Pakistan and Russia signed a historic Agreement between the State Duma and the National Assembly of Pakistan late last month. The Agreement aims to enhance ties between the two legislative bodies and establish permanent cooperation mechanisms through committees, commissions and parliamentary groups.