LAHORE — A delegation led by Russian Energy Minister NikolayShulginov on Thursday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here wherein the two sides discussed the supply of oil and gas from Russia to Pakistan on a long term basis.
During the meeting, both the sides agreed on the importance of energy sector for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
The two sides also reviewed the matters related to gas pipelines, a PM Office statement said.
Welcoming the delegation the prime minister highlighted the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with the Russian Federation.
He recalled his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand in September 2022 and said that the meeting had reached important decisions to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relations.
He also noted with satisfaction the keen desire on both the sides to upgrade the bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic matters.
The Russian energy minister reciprocated the prime minister’s sentiments and delivered a special message of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the prime minister.
In his message, President Putin referring to Pakistan as Russia’s important partner in South Asia and the Islamic World reiterated Russia’s strong interest to deepen the bilateral relationship.
The prime minister provided guidance for the work of 8th Round of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting scheduled to be held in Islamabad on January 20, 2023.Federal Minister for Economic Affairs SardarAyazSadiq, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed NaveedQamar, Minister for State for Petroleum Musadik Malik and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatimi were also present in the meeting.
BB Energy keen to supply LNG, petroleum products to Pakistan
The BB Energy, an independent energy trading company here on Thursday expressed interest to develop a strategic business relationship with Pakistan and supply affordable petroleum products and LNG to the country.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with a delegation of BB Energy headed by its Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mohamed Bassatne, said a press statement issued by Finance Ministry.
Bassatne expressed gratitude to the finance minister and shared BB Energy’s business profile and business.
He apprised the minister of company’s current investment in the energy sector. He also showed interest in further expanding their business in Pakistan.
Among others, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Finance, Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue, Tariq Mahmood Pasha, Secretary Finance and other senior officers from Finance Division participated in the meeting.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the delegation and shared the economic outlook of the country.
He said that the present government inherited weak economic legacy but was focusing on fixing things in the right direction and is introducing reforms in all sectors to achieve economic growth and development.
He said that due to pragmatic measures taken by the government, the country was destined for progress and development.
The finance minister also appreciated Mohamed Bassatne for showing interest in expanding their business activities and investment in the energy sector in Pakistan to boost its energy supply line.
He assured the delegation that government would provide all kinds of support required by the company in order to expand its business and investment in the country.
SOURCE: APP
