ISLAMABAD: Russia is sending a high-level delegation, led by Pavel Sorokin, the First Deputy Minister of Energy, to Pakistan for talks on energy cooperation, as well as discussions regarding the banking sector.
The visit follows agreements made on January 30, 2025, between Mr. Sergei Tsivilev and Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Co-Chairs of the Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC). On February 28, 2025, the delegation is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, and other officials. The talks will focus on energy cooperation, alongside other matters of mutual interest.
According to sources, in the area of geological cooperation, the Russian delegation will hold meetings with Musadik Masood Malik, Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum and Water Resources. Representatives from the Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd. (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd. (PPL), and Mari Energies (formerly Mari Petroleum Company Ltd.) will also participate. Russian firm Zarubezhneft JSC will join the deliberations as well.
Regarding the modernization of Pakistan Refinery Ltd. (PRL), Pakistani authorities are set to meet with representatives from Energoneftechexport (led by Mr. Dmitriy Sharonov) and Centre of Operational Services JSC.
While Pakistan has begun importing Russian crude oil, it has faced challenges in increasing import volumes due to payment issues and the limited refining capacity of Pakistani refineries to process Russian oil.
Additionally, a meeting is scheduled between the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and RusHydro Group of Russia. The two sides will also discuss the North-South Transport Corridor, with Pakistan Railways and RZD Logistics JSC participating in these talks.
On the banking front, officials from Russian Sberbank and Pakistan’s State Bank will meet to discuss banking cooperation, aiming to expand the financial systems of both countries and formalize a payment mechanism.
In recent months, Pakistan and Russia have engaged at the highest levels to strengthen cooperation across various fields. Notably, Pakistan has maintained a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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