A six-member delegation of Russian Federation headed by State Secretary and Deputy Minister of the Energy Y.P Sentyurin called on the Federal minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar here on Thursday and discussed various matters of mutual interest and co-operation in the energy sector.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary Water and Power, Zafar Mehmood, Additional Secretary Hamid Ali Khan, CEO Genco holding Company, Naveed Ismail, Adviser energy import and senior officials. The Russian delegation expressed their interest to invest 500 million dollars in the CASA-1000 project for establishment of power transmission system from Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both sides expressed interest in modernisation and rehabilitation of Muzafargarh and Guddu thermal power plants and conversion of them to cheaper fuel like coal.
Minister for Water and Power while welcoming the delegation appreciated the interest expressed by the Russain for co-operation in the water and power sector and offered them modernisation of existing hydroelectric plants, participation for the construction of 500 KV transmission line for import of 1000 MW from Iran to Pakistan and other projects like Tarbela 4th extension, coal, renewable energy, and transmission line projects. The Minister said that Russain companies have already developed various big projects in Pakistan and the people of Pakistan will be happy to their participation in the mega projects in water and power sector.
He added that Pakistan is committed with long and stable co-operation with Russia. The Russain delegation also showed their interest for mutually beneficial co-operation in the power energy sector and discussed various projects for investment. Both, Pakistan and Russia agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding for co-operation in the energy sector and draft will be prepared from both sides in this regard for consideration.-PR