The message was conveyed by Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov, who called on the prime minister in Lahore, The Express Tribune reported. Shulginov is leading a Russian delegation for the 8th round of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting to be held in Islamabad on Friday. During the meeting, the two sides discussed procuring petroleum products from Russia at concessional rates, The Express Tribune reported. Also reviewed the supply of oil and gas from Russia to Pakistan as well as the gas pipeline project.
What is Russia’s compulsion?
Through a special message, the Russian minister reported that President Putin ‘referred to Pakistan as an important partner of Russia in South Asia and the Islamic world (and) reiterated Russia’s strong interest in deepening bilateral ties.’ Welcoming the delegation, Sharif highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Russia. The Prime Minister recalled his meeting with Putin in Samarkand in September last year and said important decisions were taken in the meeting to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia ties, The Express Tribune reported.
Russia has made this announcement at a time when Pakistan is continuously supplying ammunition to Ukraine. Ukraine’s army is carrying out bloody attacks on Russian soldiers with the help of ammunition made in Pakistan. In a way, Pakistan is earning dollars by selling ammunition to Ukraine, whereas now it is trying to get cheap oil from Russia. Russia is now ready for this as well. Actually, with the help of Pakistan, Russia wants to increase its influence in the Islamic world and that is why it is increasing friendship with Pakistan.