Pakistan and Russia to Sign Major Agreements During Russian Deputy PM’s Visit

Pakistan and Russia are poised to sign a series of government-to-government agreements during the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk on September 18-19, 2024. This high-level visit, the first in several years, follows a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit in July 2024.

The visit aims to strengthen the growing relationship between the two nations, building on the roadmap for engagement developed in July 2024. Energy cooperation remains a central focus, with both countries working on a strategy that includes crude oil procurement, LNG imports, and gas infrastructure development in Pakistan. Pakistan imported 100,000 metric tons of Russian crude oil last year, though payment issues have temporarily halted further imports.

Pakistan and Russia are also considering a long-term government-to-government agreement, while Russian company RusChemAlliance is set to sign agreements with Pakistan LNG Ltd for spot cargo and long-term LNG supply starting in 2027.

Additionally, Russia has proposed a multi-stage plan for developing Pakistan’s gas infrastructure, including reviving the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project and exploring pipeline links with Iran and India.

The visit will also explore broader economic collaboration, trade ties, and industrial partnerships, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.