Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to visit Moscow in the coming weeks on an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst the lingering crises along the Ukraine-Russia border.
“The preparations are underway and we will share more details formally today (Saturday). Pakistan attaches great importance to its multi-faceted and strong relationship with Russia,” Spokesperson for the Foreign Office Asim Iftikhar was quoted as saying by Geo TV.
The spokesperson also said that the foreign office was in close contact with the Pakistani community in Ukraine, especially students. “They are taking care of their welfare and they are also issuing necessary advice and guidance to them keeping in view the evolving situation”, he said.
The PM’s visit to Moscow would mark the first time in 23 years that a Pakistani prime minister has visited Russia. Sources close to the preparations said the leaders will discuss matters related to the economy, trade energy, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and the $2.5 billion Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline (PSGP), among other bilateral issues.
Pakistan and Russia’s diplomatic ties have been steadily strengthening since 2014, when both countries signed a defence cooperation agreement, holding joint military exercises, as well as cooperating on intelligence and the defence industry since then.
In 2021, the countries formally signed an agreement for the PSGP, a 1,100-km-long gas pipeline that will be able to transport 16 billion cubic metres of liquid natural gas (LNG) from Gwadar, Karachi, Kasur, and Lahore. Analysists say Russia has a strategic aim to develop Pakistan’s gas infrastructure to increase the demand for gas in the country, which Russia hopes will divert LNG supply from Europe, leaving a vacuum for Russia to become the main LNG supplier for Europe. The project is expected to be completed in 2025, however several issues remain unresolved, it emerged during talks between both countries earlier this month. The lingering uncertainties, including questions over sovereign guarantees and penalty mechanisms, may dash the prime minister’s hopes to sign the final agreement with President Putin in Moscow during his upcoming visit.
