Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk's Official Visit to Pakistan

Today marks a significant moment in Pakistan-Russia relations as "Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk" has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit. This visit, which runs from September 18 to 19, was announced by the Foreign Office just a day prior. Upon his arrival at Islamabad Airport, Overchuk was warmly welcomed by Pakistan's Ambassador in Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, and Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Shafqat Ali Khan.

During his stay in the federal capital, Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk is set to engage in extensive discussions with key Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. This visit comes on the heels of reports indicating that Islamabad and Moscow are exploring potential "Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)" transactions. According to a senior official from the Ministry of Energy, Russia's LNG export terminals are expected to be operational by 2026, paving the way for gas trade with Pakistan.

Moreover, discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a state-of-the-art steel mill on the existing site of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). A Russian delegation is anticipated to visit Pakistan soon to further these discussions. In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Deputy PM Overchuk expressed Moscow's eagerness to share expertise with Islamabad across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of enhancing socio-cultural ties between the two nations.

Overchuk remarked, "There is a good environment for advancing expanded cooperation between our countries," highlighting the potential for constructive collaboration under Russia's presidency of the "Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State." This sentiment reflects a growing optimism about the future of Pakistan-Russia relations.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a report to the National Assembly, indicating that Pakistan is considering the establishment of a new steel mill. This follows a meeting between Russian officials and President Zardari in April, where assistance regarding the PSM was discussed. Additionally, in July, Russian Consul General Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov offered Moscow's support to Islamabad in revitalizing the steel mills.

Pakistan has recently hosted several high-profile officials from various countries, including Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. These visits underscore Pakistan's growing diplomatic engagement on the global stage.

Deputy PM Overchuk's visit signifies a pivotal step towards strengthening the ties between Pakistan and Russia. As both nations explore opportunities for collaboration in energy and industrial sectors, the potential for mutual growth and development appears promising. This visit not only highlights the importance of international partnerships but also reflects Pakistan's strategic positioning in the evolving geopolitical landscape.