Russian delegation in Pakistan to negotiate trade, technical cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A high-level inter-governmental meeting between Russia and Pakistan will begin Wednesday to discuss the terms of Moscow's discounted supply of crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Islamabad, as well as the construction of a multibillion-dollar gas pipeline project in Pakistan.

On Tuesday, a high-level Russian delegation arrived in Pakistan and will begin negotiations on bilateral trade and technical cooperation on January 18 (Wednesday). Ayaz Sadiq, Federal Minister for Commerce, will lead the Pakistani delegation in talks with the Russian delegation, which Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov will lead. Minister of State for Petroleum Mussadiq Malik and other officials will also participate in the session.

The two sides are planning to strike deals for cheap crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and LNG and discuss foreign investment and mutual trade. A government-to-government (G2G) agreement will be used to provide crude oil and other products. The two sides will also exchange views on strategies to amplify trade and investments, especially in agriculture, energy, education, IT, and finance.