ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Moscow on 4-day official visit in late November, with high-stakes talks planned with Russian President Vladimir Putin on discounted oil, gas supplies, industrial investment and expanding bilateral trade.
Sharif’s visit preparations are underway for upcoming visit, as Islamabad looks to strengthen its economic partnerships and secure new opportunities in energy, trade and industrial development.
The expected meeting between PM Shehbaz Sharif and Vladimir Putin is expected to go beyond traditional diplomatic discussions, with both governments reportedly preparing an extensive agenda covering energy security, investment, regional stability and long-term economic cooperation.
One of Pakistan’s biggest priorities will be exploring the possibility of securing Russian crude oil and natural gas at discounted prices through sustainable supply arrangements. Such agreements could offer economic relief to Pakistan, which remains heavily dependent on imported energy and vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil markets.
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The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to substantially increase bilateral trade, attract Russian investment and remove financial barriers that have prevented businesses in both countries from fully benefiting from their economic relationship.
Energy cooperation is likely to top agenda, with Islamabad seeking stronger partnerships in oil, gas and energy infrastructure development. Diplomatic sources suggest that discussions could include long-term arrangements for Russian fuel supplies, potentially at concessional rates, alongside investment in Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.
Another major issue expected to feature in the negotiations is the revival of Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi, a once-prominent industrial enterprise that has remained largely inactive for years.
Pakistan is expected to explore Russian technical assistance, modernisation expertise and potential investment to restore the facility’s operations and strengthen domestic industrial production.
Agriculture, food security, industrial manufacturing and infrastructure development are also expected to receive attention as both sides seek to broaden their economic relationship beyond conventional diplomatic engagement.
Beyond government-level negotiations, the proposed visit is expected to feature a major Pakistan-Russia Business Forum aimed at connecting investors, exporters and industrial groups from both countries. Top Pakistani businessmen and senior representatives of multinational companies are expected to participate in the forum.
The business delegation is likely to include representatives from textiles, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing and energy. Direct business-to-business meetings are expected to provide opportunities for joint ventures, investment partnerships, export expansion and access to new markets.