ISLAMABAD: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk arrived in Pakistan today. The Foreign Office confirmed the 2-day official visit of the Russian Minister.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, it was said that the Russian distinguished guest was received at the Islamabad Airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Moscow, Mohammad Khalid Jamali, and Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Shafqat Ali Khan.
According to the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk will hold important talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and his counterpart Ishaq Dar during his visit. Islamabad and Moscow are considering liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade in the future.
According to the report, a senior Energy Ministry official said that Russia’s LNG export terminal will be ready for gas trade with Pakistan by 2026.
Because the price redefining clause in the long-term contracts with Qatar will come into force in 2026.
Another official said that the Russian delegation will visit Pakistan to negotiate the establishment of a modern steel mill at the existing site of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister expressed Moscow’s willingness to assist in various fields.
He hoped to continue constructive cooperation with Pakistan under the chairmanship of Russia’s Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and emphasized further strengthening socio-cultural relations between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that recently the Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a report to the National Assembly, which mentioned the consideration of setting up a new steel mill in the country.
Earlier in April, in a meeting between Russian officials and President Zardari, Russia offered to help revive the PSM, which was established with Moscow’s support.
It should be remembered that the Russian Consul General Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov had offered Moscow’s help in restoring steel mills to Islamabad in July.
Pakistan has recently hosted high-ranking officials from various countries, including a two-day official visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in July, while former Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi visited the country for a three-day visit in April.
