Pakistan Holds Talks With Russia on Oil Cooperation
Pakistan has initiated discussions with Russia on a possible oil cooperation agreement, as officials from the energy ministries of both countries hold talks to explore deeper collaboration in the sector. Pakistani authorities said the discussions are at an early stage and are focused on assessing the scope and feasibility of long-term cooperation.
The talks are understood to cover areas such as oil supply, exploration, production, refining, and technical collaboration, as Pakistan looks to secure reliable and cost-effective energy sources. Officials said any agreement would be subject to detailed evaluation by relevant ministries and technical teams.
Part of Broader Energy Engagement
Pakistan has already been importing Russian crude oil as part of efforts to diversify energy supplies and manage rising import costs. The current discussions build on this engagement and are aimed at expanding cooperation beyond spot purchases to a more structured framework.
Energy officials said Russia’s experience in oil and gas exploration and refining could be beneficial for Pakistan, particularly in upgrading existing infrastructure and improving efficiency in the energy sector.
Possible Industrial and Refining Projects
Apart from oil supplies, discussions have also touched upon potential Russian involvement in modernising Pakistani oil refineries. Officials indicated that technical assistance and investment from Russian firms could help improve refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported refined products.
There have also been preliminary conversations on broader industrial cooperation linked to energy development, though no firm commitments have been made.
Next Steps
Authorities said talks between the two sides will continue through official channels, with energy ministries examining commercial viability and strategic implications. Any final agreement would require government approval and detailed contractual arrangements.
