ISLAMABAD – A Russian delegation Tuesday called on Minister for Energy OmarAyub Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on PetroleumNadeem Babar, and discussed the North South Gas Pipeline project.
The delegation, led by Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Anatoli Tikhinov,was here for the 7th JCC session on pipeline project, a Petroleum Divisionpress release said.
While welcoming the delegation to Pakistan, Omar Ayub stressed the need formaking the project transparent, financially viable and mutual benefit ofthe two countries.
He termed the pipeline ‘a flagship project’ of cooperation between Pakistanand Russia particularly in the commercial and energy sphere.
Nadeem Babar gave an overview of Pakistan’s Energy situation highlightingthe infrastructure projects the current Government planned to undertake forensuring supply and security of oil & gas in the country.
He declared the North South Gas Pipeline ‘a stepping stone’ towards greatercooperation between Pakistan and Russia in the energy sector.
He also welcomed Russian interest in the Exploration and Production sectorof Pakistan including its planned auction of 18 blocks this month.
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The SAPM emphasized on transparency, financial viability of the pipelineand shared Prime Minister Imran Khan’s desire to see the project’ssuccessful execution.
The Russia’s Deputy Minister thanked the Pakistani side for the extendinggracious welcome to the delegation.
He also termed the project an important milestone in bilateral relationsbetween both the countries and conveyed Russia’s desire to expand relationswith Pakistan in all fields including energy.
He agreed that the project must be financially viable and to the benefit ofthe both countries.
The minister hoped that such cooperation between the two countries wouldcontinue in the coming time.
