Pakistan has great potential in energy sector: Russian envoy

KU celebrates 75 years of Pakistan-Russia relations

KARACHI:

The Department of Political Science and the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation at the University of Karachi hosted a seminar titled "75 Years of Pakistan-Russia Relations: An Emerging Partnership".

Speaking to the audience, the event's chief guest, Russian Consul General in Karachi, Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov, said that the bond between the two nations was established on May 1, 1948. Since then, there have been various historic developments.

Fedorov underscored the significance of this relationship, noting that it led to monumental projects such as the Pakistan Steel Mill in Karachi, the Guddu Thermal Power Station in Northern Sindh, and many others.

He regarded the Tashkent Declaration as a pivotal moment in the diplomatic history of both nations, emphasising the need to preserve this rich legacy of Pakistan-Russia relations.

He highlighted that leaders of both nations have expressed a willingness to collaborate in numerous areas, particularly energy, trade, economics, humanitarian initiatives, cultural exchange, and education.

He mentioned the significant potential in the energy sector, including the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline and the recent initiation of crude oil supply from Russia to Pakistan.

"We've also established a direct shipping line from St. Petersburg and Vladivostok to Karachi, signed agreements for barter trade with Russia, and launched a two-way trucking route from Pakistan to Russia," Fedorov added.

Meanwhile, KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi acknowledged the resilience of Pakistan-Russia relations over the past seven decades.

He emphasised the importance of policies and programmes that prioritise the interests of the common people, economic prosperity, and the strengthening of trade relations.

Iraqi highlighted the significant growth in bilateral trade, which increased from $567 million in 2021-22 to $760 million this year.

Additionally, he mentioned plans to establish a Russian language centre on campus for students and teachers. APP

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2023.