Russian deputy PM arriving in Islamabad for strategic bilateral talks

ISLAMABAD (APP): Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk is arriving in Islamabad on a two-day visit from September 18 to September 19.

A high-level delegation will also accompany the Russian deputy prime minister, said a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry.

The visit is part of a wider effort to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Russia and Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, and connectivity.

During the visit, Overchuk will hold crucial meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Also read: Geopolitical tensions will not affect Pak-Russia relations: PM Shehbaz

Pakistan and Russia enjoy cordial relations based on goodwill, amity and trust, which is reflected in the multi-faceted bilateral cooperation including in trade, energy and connectivity.

Pakistan has ramped up its energy imports from Russia, a move aimed at easing economic challenges, including inflation and a foreign exchange crisis.

Last year, Islamabad started buying discounted Russian crude oil after fuel prices surged due to geopolitical tensions.

In September 2023, Pakistan received its first shipment of liquefied petroleum gas from Russia, marking the second major energy deal between the two nations.

Pakistan plans to reduce its crude oil imports from Russia to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), down from 154,000 bpd in 2022, in an effort to cut its import bill and manage economic pressures.