Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Conference on Thursday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties with Russia.
Emphasizing the growing momentum in bilateral relations, especially in the fields of energy, trade, and industrial collaboration, Aurangzeb recalled the significant progress made during the 9th session of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission in Moscow.
The meeting discussed strengthening energy cooperation, with Pakistan expressing interest in expanding the procurement of crude oil and investments in oil and gas exploration. The two dignitaries also delved into opportunities for collaboration in the hydropower sector, with Pakistan welcoming Russia’s technical expertise and investment.
Additionally, Aurangzeb acknowledged the significance of the Pakistan-Russia Freight Pilot Train Project, scheduled for launch on March 31, 2025 under the North-South Transport Corridor via Iran. Both sides discussed measures to ensure smooth operations, including customs facilitation and regulatory alignment.
Pakistan’s keen interest in establishing a new steel mill with Russian collaboration was also highlighted, with the finance minister stressing the importance of feasibility studies and cost assessments to move the project forward.
According to a statement, Aurangzeb expressed optimism about expanding bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. It said the meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides eager to achieve tangible progress in the near future.