The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation with a special focus on trade, investment and energy and expressed satisfaction with the steady expansion of Russia-Pakistan relations. They also discussed the prospects of enhancing Eurasian connectivity and Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional integration through rail, road and energy corridors.
Prime Minister Kakar stressed the need for enhanced regional integration for economic development of the entire region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation with Russia in the areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity and counterterrorism.
During the meeting President Putin said that trade between Russia and Pakistan has increased and reached good levels.
“Our potential of economic cooperation is much higher, much bigger and we are going to discuss that … I hope we will be able to listen to your colleagues as well and we will exchange our visions of how and what additional steps could be taken to enhance our cooperation in all areas," Putin told Kakar on the sidelines of the forum, as the two leaders sat across from each other.
Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar held a meeting today with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation
© Prime Minister's Office
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation
© Prime Minister's Office
Earlier it was reported that Pakistan is looking forward to long-term cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in an interview with Sputnik.
''Pakistan is in contact with Russia in the energy sector,'' the spokeswoman said, adding that ''Islamabad has received its first oil supplies from Russia and is looking forward to long-term cooperation, especially in the energy sector.''
The country placed its first purchase of 100,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil in April this year, after lengthy negotiations on the details of the deal. Two ships carrying the crude from Russia arrived at Karachi port on 11 and 26 June, ultimately carrying 101,000 tonnes of crude.
Speaking at the Russian Energy Week forum last week, Pakistan's Energy Minister Muhammad Ali said his country expects Russia to supply 10% of its oil needs in the future and 30% in the next few years.
Earlier this month Pakistan received a large shipment of Russian gas - LPG.
This year, Pakistan and Russia are commemorating the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.