RUSSIA, February 24 - The talks focused on the ongoing and future joint projects in the energy sector, as well as promoting bilateral trade in general.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan.

Alexander Novak stressed that Russia is actively working with Pakistan and is its long-term partner in various economic areas. “Trade between our two countries has been growing, standing at $697 million at the end of 2021. We are discussing opportunities for cooperation in IT, banking, and reconstruction in the housing and utilities sector and on transport,” Mr Novak said.

Alexander Novak also noted that the fuel and energy sector has acquired special significance in bilateral relations. “The two countries are intensively developing cooperation in fuel and energy. The energy sector may gain key importance in terms of new major joint investment projects and energy supplies. Our flagship project, Pakistan Stream, will make it possible to tap new natural gas sources and deliver natural gas to remote, densely populated, industrialised northern parts of the country,” he said.

Russia is interested in organising gas deliveries to Pakistan, he added. “We are ready to consider the possibility of supplying Russian natural gas to Pakistan by using or expanding the existing gas transport infrastructure or building a new one. Russian companies are also interested in supplying LNG,” he added.