ISLAMABAD:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on friday not rule out possibility of Pakistan imports oil and food from Russia, saying the country has an “open policy” controlled national interest in expanding the economic and trade connections.
“Our policy is clear know in terms of expansion of economic and trade relationship, we have an open policy national interest – wherever we see there is national well we’re chasing those options and prospectuses,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Asim Iftikhar told the weekly. news briefing.
He answered the question whether Pakistan is considering importing oil and other food grains from Russia, as neighboring India did. reduced oil prices after oil imports at preferential rates from Moscow.
government on On Thursday, oil prices rose by 30 rupees per liter. in to satisfy key The condition of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to resume the program. former prime minister strongly condemned the increase in oil prices, repeating his claims that if he in power he would reduced prices since he negotiated the deal with Russia in buy discount oil.
Also read: Why are Pakistan and Russia moving closer?
current government, however, insisted that there was no written agreement between Pakistan and Russia on in former premier’s claim and reports also suggested that Pakistan does not have the capacity to process Russian crude oil.
with Pakistan facing shortage of wheat this season, there is a possibility that government can import wheat from Russia, which one of the best manufacturers of food grain.
Foreign office the spokesman confirmed that Pakistan in contact with Russia and others countries on subject.
“There is a shortage of food grain in Pakistan. And there is decision also import a certain amount of use of wheat various options, international bidding and G2G options. Concerning government is in touch with friends and partners, and we also in consultation with Russian side on on this topic, Iftikhar added.
Also read: Why Bilawal defended Imran’s visit to Russia
Answering a question about the press conference of US secretary of State of Anthony Blinken where he spoke about the threat posed by China, Pakistani spokesman said wanted balanced relationship with all major powers.
“We want objective and balanced and wide relations with major powers, including the United States, China and others, and we will continue to pursue this. policy. So what is it in in this context, you see that we are closely interacting with China,” the spokesman said. added.
“We are strategic partners, there are BRI, CPEC and other initiatives, and the latest contacts with United States, engagement between two foreign ministers also indicative of the same desire of Pakistan and I would say of both our two countries expand our relationship on these lines are broad, mutually beneficial, of mutual interest and based on on mutual respect and i believe we will continue this policy we think it is in in best interest of Pakistan. As well as in principle, we always call on the major powers to pursue a policy of cooperation, not confrontation.”
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