ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Russia has shown interest to establish an LNG terminal in Gwadar.
Briefing media sources on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow in Islamabad today (Friday), he said the talks in Moscow focused on a range of issues including promoting trade, investment and energy cooperation.
The minister said that Russian investors have expressed interest in attending an investment conference in Islamabad next month.
He said Pakistan’s shift towards geo-economic and regional connectivity will be boosted by strengthening ties with Russia.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi noted that relations between the two countries have been on an upward trajectory over the past few years. He said Pakistan wanted a long-term, multi-dimensional relationship with Russia.
In light of the situation in Ukraine, the foreign minister dismissed the impression that the visit was not well-timed, expressing confidence that it was the right decision to increase Pakistan’s diplomatic space. He said the decision to visit Moscow was made after a thorough deliberation, including with former diplomats.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan desires relationship with all the countries and is not and will not become part of any bloc politics.
Describing the visit as very important, the Foreign Minister said Pakistan desires to import gas from Russia. He said we are an energy deficient country and want a long term government to government arrangement with Russia on this matter. He said the extension of Russian pipeline in Kazakhstan to Pakistan via Afghanistan will help meet our future energy requirements.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said regional situation also came under discussion during the talks with the Russian leadership. He said both the countries want peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan s embassy in Ukraine has been shifted from Kyiv to Ternopil. He said the government is taking measures to evacuate three thousand students studying in Ukraine.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Tarnopil’s proximity to the Polish border would make evacuation easier.
He said Pakistan has extensive contacts with all major world powers.
