Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk will lead a high-level delegation to Pakistan on a two-day visit from September 18 to 19, according to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO) on Tuesday. During his visit, Overchuk is scheduled to hold key meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
The visit comes at a time when Islamabad and Moscow are considering future transactions involving Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Last month, The News reported that Russia had communicated its readiness to engage in LNG trade with Pakistan by 2026, coinciding with the price re-opening clause under Pakistan’s long-term agreements with Qatar. This development is part of a broader strategy by the Shehbaz-led coalition government to tackle economic challenges.
During the visit, discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including the potential establishment of a new steel mill in Pakistan. This follows a report submitted by the Ministry of Industries and Production to the National Assembly, highlighting previous offers of assistance from Russia regarding the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). The PSM was originally established with Moscow’s assistance, and Russian Consul General Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov had expressed interest in helping to revive it during a meeting in July.
An official from the Ministry of Industries and Production revealed that a Russian delegation is due to visit Pakistan to discuss the establishment of a state-of-the-art steel mill on the existing site of the PSM. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to bolster Pakistan’s industrial capabilities with Russian support.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz Sharif had met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, in July. During this meeting, they discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, setting the stage for Overchuk’s upcoming visit.
Pakistan has hosted several senior officials from various countries in recent months, including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on a two-day official visit in July and the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on a three-day visit in April. These visits reflect Pakistan’s active engagement in international diplomacy and its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with key partners.
Overchuk’s visit is expected to further solidify the ties between Russia and Pakistan, with a focus on economic collaboration and strategic partnerships. As the Pakistani government navigates its economic challenges, the outcomes of these high-level meetings could have significant implications for the country’s future development and international relations.
