KARACHI: Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko met Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in Moscow on Thursday, according to the media.

It was learnt that both countries have agreed to cooperate in the energy sector. Russia has expressed interest in TAPI, Thar Coal and KASA 1000 energy projects, and has also shown interest in more investment in the Pakistan Steel Mills.

On Wednesday, Pakistan and Russia agreed to promote and enhance bilateral relations in the fields of trade, energy and people-to-people contacts.

Addressing a joint press conference along with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar highlighted scope for cooperation between the two countries in various fields and all aspects for improving cooperation had been discussed during the meeting of the two foreign ministers.

Both countries also agreed that there would be more interaction between the chambers of commerce and industries of the two countries to improve trade activities.

It was also learnt that Russian investors have shown interest in investing in different energy projects like Thar Coal.

On the regional level of cooperation, Khar said the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was a forum in the region to face and counter regional challenges. She said Pakistan was actively participating in the deliberations of SCO and seeking permanent membership and thanked the Russian Federation extending its support on this issue.

The next quadrilateral summit being held in Pakistan was also discussed during the meeting with her Russian counterpart.

Addressing the joint press conference Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said both countries have agreed to cooperate in fighting terrorism and drug crimes.

He said, the federal service representative of Russia on the control of drug substances would start working in Islamabad soon.

On the issue of promotion of trade relations, Lavrov said Russia had provided Pakistan its draft of a joint action plan in trade and investments.

Cooperation in the framework of the SCO, the Dushanbe quartet and the UN Security Council was also discussed by the two foreign ministers.

Pakistan is the Security Council’s permanent member for 2012-2013.

Khar is visiting Moscow on the invitation of her Russian counterpart from February 7 to 10.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012