Vipusknik 4-2015

Quarterly Newsletter Newsletter– 4-2015

 4th Russia Pakistan IGC Held In Islamabad  Belarus Prime Minster Visit
 1st Russia Pakistan Investment Forum Islamabad  Pakistan Prime Minster Visit UzbekistaT
 Tajikistan President Sign CASA 1000 Treaty In  API Ground Breaking Ceremony
 Russia Invests: Pakistan’s Gas Pipeline
Islamabad

Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS

4th Session: Russian-Pakistan Inter-Governmental
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical

Cooperation. Islamabad 2015

Page 2

4th Russia Pakistan Inter Governmental Commission
Report: Dr. Shahid Hasan

 Direct flight standing on Science and Technical cooperation and the Protocol (Joint Statement) on
 5 Working Groups conclusion of the 4th Session of the IGC. The Working Group on Energy, comprising the
 Enhancing coopera- Ministry of Water and Power and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources also
signed a Protocol (Joint Statement), engaging the Russian counterparts in energy sector.
tion in Oil, Gas,
Energy, Trade,
Investment

The 4th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia
Inter Governmental Commission (IGC)
on Trade, Economic, Scientific and
Technical Cooperation was held here
from 18-20 November. The Plenary
session marked the conclusion of the
IGC meeting on Friday.

Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad
Ishaq Dar led the Pakistan side while
the Russian side was headed by the
Mr. Viktor P. Ivanov, Minister / Direc-
tor Federal Drug Control Services, Rus-
sian Federation who shared outcome
of the 4th IGC with the media after
conclusion of the Plenary.

Underscoring the importance of hav- Minister Dar also appreciated the largest investment of Russia in Pakistan through Inter
ing high level contacts between the Government Agreement on North South Gas pipeline on 16 October 2015. Both sides
two countries for further strengthen- agreed to developing a timeframe for the north-south gas pipeline and to setting up of a
ing of ties, the two sides reviewed the monitoring mechanism.
bilateral relations and discussed possi-
bilities of enhancing cooperation in Minister Dar stated that it was encouraging to note that over 60 delegates from the Rus-
finance, trade and investment, science sian Federation including officials and the experts participated in the 4th IGC at Islama-
and technology, industry, energy, oil bad. On the sidelines of the IGC, holding of first ever Pakistan Russia Investment Forum at
and gas exploration, food and agricul- Islamabad with wide representation of the private sector and the business community
ture, textile, drug and narcotics con- from Russia and Pakistan was appreciated. Mutual desire was expressed to enhance bilat-
trol and other areas of mutual cooper- eral trade relations and investment, particularly in the field of energy and agriculture.
ation. The Russian Co-Chair proposed
to have direct air link between Mos- The Russian side appreciated high quality of Pakistan’s agricultural products and ex-
cow and Pakistan. The Pakistan Co- pressed an interest for an increasing their exports to Russia. The Commission also decid-
Chair welcomed the proposal which ed to look into the possibility of establishing five working groups on (a) Finance and Bank-
aims to enhance business to business ing, (b) Industry (with sub group on Pakistan Steel Mills), (c) Food and Agriculture, (d)
and people to people contacts be- Transport and Logistics and (e) Education including professional training.
tween the two partners.

The Inter-Governmental Commission
expressed satisfaction at the progress
made in finalization of the long out-
standing DRAFT Agreement on settle-
ment of mutual financial claims and
obligations, Memorandum of Under-

Page 3

Underscoring the importance of having relations and discussed possibilities of business and people to people contacts
high level contacts between the two enhancing cooperation in finance, trade between the two partners. the Inter-
countries for further strengthening of and investment, science and technology, Governmental Commission expressed
ties, the two sides reviewed the bilateral industry, energy, oil and gas exploration, satisfaction at the progress made in finali-
zation of the long outstanding DRAFT
food and agriculture, Agreement on settlement of mutual fi-
textile, drug and nar- nancial claims and obligations, Memoran-
cotics control and dum of Understanding on Science and
other areas of mutual Technical cooperation and the Protocol
cooperation. The (Joint Statement) on conclusion of the 4th
Russian Co-Chair pro- Session of the IGC. The Working Group on
posed to have direct Energy, comprising the Ministry of Water
air link between Mos- and Power and Ministry of Petroleum and
cow and Pakistan. Natural Resources also signed a Protocol
The Pakistan CoChair (Joint Statement), engaging the Russian
welcomed the pro- counterparts in energy sector. Minister
posal which aims to Dar also appreciated the largest invest-
enhance business to ment of Russia in Pakistan through Inter
Government Agreement on North South
PAKISTAN AND RUSSIA ARE ENTERING INTO A NEW Gas pipeline on 16 October 2015. Both
PHASE OF STRONG RELATIONSHIP. NAWAZ SHARIF sides agreed to developing a timeframe
for the north-south gas pipeline and to
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that the economic indicators of the setting up of a monitoring mechanism.
country are fast growing and Pakistan is becoming an attractive destination for foreign Minister Dar stated that it was encourag-
investors, especially in the field of energy. The Prime Minister said this while meeting a ing to note that over 60 delegates from
Russian delegation led by H.E Mr. Victor P. Ivanov, Co-Chairman of the Russian-Pakistani the Russian Federation including officials
Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and Scientific Cooperation, at PM and the experts participated in the 4th
House this morning. IGC at Islamabad. On the sidelines of the
IGC, holding of first ever Pakistan Russia
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Russia relations were entering into a new Investment Forum at Islamabad with wide
phase of strong relationship, which would usher in a new age of fruitful benefits for representation of the private sector and
both the countries. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has taken a firm stance on the business community from Russia and
terrorism and extremism to ensure a peaceful, stable and investor friendly environment. Pakistan was appreciated. Mutual desire
The terrorists’ hideouts and infrastructure has been dismantled through effective offen- was expressed to enhance bilateral trade
sive, added the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that the Pakistani nation owns relations and investment, particularly in
the war on terrorism, led by the present government. the field of energy and agriculture. The
Russian side appreciated high quality of
H.E Mr Victor P. Ivanov said that Pakistan is a strong country with rich history and there Pakistan’s agricultural products and ex-
exists a huge potential for mutual trade between Russia and Pakistan. He said that there pressed an interest for an increasing their
is a need for establishing direct flight between Moscow and Islamabad to especially ben- exports to Russia. The Commission also
efit the traders and investors of both the countries. decided to look into the possibility of es-
tablishing five working groups on (a) Fi-
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif extended his invitation to Russian President nance and Banking, (b) Industry (with sub
Vladimir Putin, for inauguration of North South Gas Pipeline, which is the largest invest- group on Pakistan Steel Mills), (c) Food
ment by Russia in Pakistan. The Prime Minister further said that Pakistan attaches high and Agriculture, (d) Transport and Logis-
value to its partnership with Russia in all areas including Bilateral Trade, Economic, Sci- tics and (e) Education including profes-
entific and Technical Cooperation. Pakistan supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned sional training. Both sides decided to hold
solution for peace in Afghanistan, which is good for the entire region and the world. the 5th session of the Inter-Governmental
Commission in 2016 at Moscow, Russia
Mr Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance, Mr Mifta Ismail, SAPM/Chairman BOI on mutually convenient dates. Both sides
and other senior officials of the Government attended the meeting. Members of the decided to hold the 5th session of the
Russian delegation included H.E. Colonel General Mikhail Y. Kyiko, Deputy Director, Dep- InterGovernmental Commission in 2016
uty Federal Minister of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation, H.E at Moscow, Russia on mutually conven-
Major General Vladimir Z. Vysotskiy, Chief of the International and Legal Department of ient dates
the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr Alexey Y. Dedov,
Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mr Maxim A. Marchenko, Official Repre-
sentative of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation in Pakistan.

Page 4

Russia- Pakistan Relations:
Partnership for Trade and Investment

By Ashique Hamdani

A new era of Russia Pakistan relations attempted to warm the relations up with
was initiated by Ms. Benazir Bhutto, Russia In 1997. He paid a state visit to
than Prime Minister of Pakistan in Russia in April 1999, this was the first visit
1990, by sending a message to to Moscow, paid by a Pakistan's Prime
Moscow for setting up the economic minister in 25 years. During this visit, it
coordination between two countries. was decided to establish Russian – Paki-
In 1991, again she sent the high-level stani Intergovernmental Commission on
economic delegation to Russia and Trade and Economic, Scientific and Tech-
Central Asia after the collapse of Sovi- nical Cooperation. But this commission
et Union. Russia offered Pakistan to couldn’t be functionalised during the en-
install a commercial nuclear power tire period of Gen Pervez Musharraf.
plant and to launch Pakistan's second
satellite, Badr-B, from its Baikonur Russia condemned the military coup d'é- upon cooperating in economic develop-
Cosmodrome for the lowest possible tat against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in ment, and to work towards peace and
charges, however after the U.S. inter- 1999 to remove him from power. prosperity in the region.
vention the plans were not imple- However, Russian Deputy Minister of
mented. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Foreign Affairs Alexander Losyukov paid a
state visit to Pakistan on 19 April 2001.
During this visit, both countries agreed

Page 5

Bilateral relations between Pakistan and minister stated it is unacceptable to vio- framework for building closer relations
the Russian Federation were reactivated late the sovereignty of a state, even when between the two countries through dis-
after the 3-days official visit of Russian planning and carrying out counter- cussions for cooperation in political, eco-
Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov in 2007. insurgent operations. nomic, defence and other sectors. The
He was the first Russian prime minister to two sides exchanged views on regional
visit Pakistan in the post-Soviet-era in 38 Pakistan and Russia wrapped up their first and international developments. Broadly,
years. He had "in-depth discussions" with strategic dialogue on 31-August-2013. At Pakistan and Russia agreed for more high-
President Pervez Musharraf and Prime the talks held at the foreign secretaries’ level contacts, closely coordinating posi-
Minister Shaukat Aziz. level in Moscow, the Pakistani side was tions on regional and international issues,
led by Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani and expanding trade and investment rela-
The major focus of the visit was to im- and Russia’s First Deputy Minister of For- tions and cooperation in the field of ener-
prove bilateral relations with particular eign Affairs Vladimir Gennadievich Titov gy and power generation.
emphasis on ways and means to enhance led his side. Russian Deputy Foreign Min-
economic cooperation between the two ister Igor Morgulov also participated in A breakthrough in relations between Rus-
countries. Under the Presidency of Asif Ali the consultations. The dialogue, the For- sia and Pakistan was made possible by
Zardari and Prime Minister Yousef Raza eign Office says, lays an institutional the annual quadrilateral summits be-
Gilani, relations between Pakistan and tween Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and
Russia have improved significantly. Tajikistan, which included bilateral
meetings between the presidents of Rus-
Significant changes accrued in 2011 as sia and Pakistan. Initially (in Tajikistan,
Russia revisited its policy and President V. 2009), an expansion of Russia-Pakistan
Putin publicly endorsed Pakistan bid to cooperation was reflected in the estab-
join the Shanghai Cooperation Organiza- lishment of more trusting relationships at
tion and said that Pakistan was a very a higher level, the signing of several
important partner in South Asia and the memorandums of mutual understanding
Muslim world for Russia. Putin offered and a number of other specific agree-
Russia's assistance in expansion of Paki- ments. Even at that time, substantial dis-
stan Steel Mills and provision of technical cussions were under way at a meeting in
support for the Guddu and Muzaffargarh Dushanbe between the presidents of Rus-
power plants and Russia was interested in sia and Pakistan regarding the possibility
developing the Thar Coal Project. Russia of really combating drug trafficking
strongly condemned the NATO strike in (including the direct and active participa-
Pakistan in 2011, and the Russian foreign tion of Afghanistan in this process), ter-
rorism and extremism, the involvement
of Gazprom in Pakistani energy projects,
the possibility of developing regional
trade, the creation of a favourable invest-
ment

Page 6

climate and a number of other issues. Both Mr. Shah The third session of the Russia-Pakistan Government Committee for
Mehmood Qureshi and his successor Ms. Hina Raban Khar, Trade and Scientific Cooperation took place in Moscow under the
as foreign minister of Pakistan made their best efforts for chairmanship of Vitaly Mutko, Russian Minister for Sports, and Mo-
activation of inter-Governmental Commission between Rus- hammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Finance of Pakistan, on No-
sia and Pakistan. The expansion of bilateral relations contin- vember 28, 2014. Mr. Mutko is the co-chairman of the Committee
ued at a similar summit in Sochi in August 2010. At that time from Russian side and Mr. Dar is the co-chairman of the Committee
during bilateral meetings between the presidents of Russia from Pakistani side.
and Pakistan, opportunities to collaborate in the financial
sector were explored (the opening of branches of Russian In the course of the session a broad range of issues related to bilat-
banks in Pakistan and Pakistani banks in Russia), the admis- eral cooperation was discussed.
sion of Pakistani students to study in Russia and many oth-
ers. Most importantly, however, was the decision to hold It was observed that Russia-Pakistan partnership developed under
the first meeting of the Russia-Pakistan Inter-Governmental uneasy circumstances. In 2013 bilateral trade increased by purely
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological symbolic 1% to $ 547,1 million. But in 2014 Russia-Pakistani trade
and Cultural Cooperation in September 2010, which took reduced considerably to the total of $ 379,7 million after the 3d quar-
place as planned. On the Russian side, the commission was ter having plunged by 16% compared to the respective period last
headed by the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy, year. Russian export to Pakistan totaled $ 118,1 million, down 25%,
Mr. V.L. Mutko, while the Pakistani side at that time was Russian import from Pakistan was not above $ 261,6 million, down
headed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina 11%.
Rabbani Khar.
It would be impossible not to mention relations between Both parties agreed that to rectify the situation serious steps must be
the military leaders of the two countries, in particular about taken. Among priorities are several joint energy and infrastructure
the visit made to Moscow at the beginning of October 2012 projects, cooperation in the realms of metallurgy, broadcasting me-
by virtually the most important military official in Pakistan, dia, supplies of Russian civil aircraft and helicopters, import of Paki-
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan stani agricultural products into Russia. in conclusion of the session
Army. The arrival of Air Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt, chief of the Mr. Mutko underlined that Russia-Pakistan cooperation had a huge
Pakistan Air Force, in Moscow in August 2012 to celebrate potential and good prospects. It was also noted that the Russian Fed-
the 100th anniversary of the Russian Air Force also indicates eration favored Pakistan’s joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization
that there are real prospects for military-technical coopera- (SCO) as a full-member. Both parties signed the Final protocol of the
tion between Russia and Pakistan. Third session of the Russia-Pakistan Government Committee for
Trade and Scientific Cooperation.
It should also be noted that during the visit made by the
Russian Foreign Affairs Minister S.V. Lavrov to Pakistan at One of the leading Russian experts on Southern and Central Asia, Pro-
the beginning of October 2012, three Memorandums of fessor Vyacheslav Belokrenitsky, who as much as five years ago wrote
Mutual Understanding were signed - in the areas of metal- that "strengthening Russia-Pakistan relations would enable Moscow
lurgy, energy production and railroad transportation. to equalise their chances with China's in a multilateral dialogue on the
expanses of Central and Eastern Asia. Secondly, it would enable Rus-
Intergovernmental Commission on trade, economic, scien- sia to make it clear to India that the time has passed, first and fore-
tific and technical cooperation between Russia and Pakistan most, for its interests in terms of Russia's priorities regarding South
(IGC) has emerged as leverage platform. The second IGC Asia to be taken into account. If New Delhi is going to strengthen its
meeting took place in Islamabad on September 10, 2012,. N. strategic partnership with the United States by entering into an exclu-
M. A. Khan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, co- sive long-lasting peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with them
chaired the meeting from the Pakistani side. Among the and opening up the way for cooperation with the West in the military
topics discussed at the meeting, there were issues related to -technical sphere, can it rely on the fact that Russia will still refrain
trade, economic and cultural development. Also, priority from military cooperation with Pakistan that would be to Russia's
areas of business and investment cooperation were identi- advantage? The point here, of course, is not that the vector of Mos-
fied, among which there were fuel and energy complex, cow's military-technical cooperation itself will change, but that the
metallurgy, and mechanical engineering. In conjunction with implementation of certain corrections is possible and even neces-
the IGC meeting, V. L. Mutko met with the Minister for For- sary".
eign Affairs of Pakistan, Ms. Khar. Mr. Mutko also met with
the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Asif
Zardari.

At the meeting, the Chairman of the Russian Business Coun-
cil for Cooperation with Pakistan (RBCCP) Late G. N.
Seleznev presented a report on RBCCP activity. The report
covered current issues related to mutual trade and econom-
ic relations. S. Mikaelyan, Director of the St. Petersburg
branch of RBCCP, took part in the IGC meeting as an expert.

Page 7

Tajik President Visit Pakistan; CASA-1000 Signed

Pakistan and Tajikistan signed number

of agreements aimed at broadening

bilateral cooperation. Pakistan desires

an early implementation of CASA-1000

power project — a project of regional

energy cooperation among Tajikistan,

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan

— Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon

Thursday. The project will enable Paki-

stan to import 1,000MW of electricity

to meet its growing energy needs

Pakistan and Tajikistan signed a num-

ber of agreements aimed at broaden-

ing bilateral cooperation in the areas

of trade, energy and connectivity.

Addressing a joint press conference

alongside the Tajik president, Prime

Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tajikistan

and Pakistan share brotherly relations Electricity for development, economic growth,
and the latter serves as a gateway to Central Asian states.
job creation, and modern life.
He expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade between the

two countries has risen from $15 million in 2011 to $89

million in 2014.President Rahmon said the visit of Tajiki- The Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan are two countries in Central Asia en-
stan delegation to Pakistan is a sign of thriving bilateral dowed with some of the world’s most abundant clean hydropower re-
relations between the two countries. sources with water cascading from the mountain ranges and filling the

rivers every summer. Both of these countries have a surplus of electricity

during the summer. Nearby in South Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan

suffer from chronic electricity shortages while trying to keep pace with a

fast-growing demand for it. Pakistan cannot meet its citizens’ electricity

needs, especially during the sweltering summer months, leading to fre-

quent power cuts that hurt industrial production, sometimes close small

businesses, and lead to job losses. Meanwhile millions of people still live

without electricity altogether.

A new electricity transmission system to connect all four countries,

called CASA-1000, would help make the most efficient use of clean hy-

dropower resources in the Central Asian countries by enabling them to

transfer and sell their electricity surplus during the summer months to the

deficient countries in South Asia. The CASA-1000 project would also comple-

ment the countries’ efforts to improve electricity access, integrate and ex-

pand markets to increase trade, and find sustainable solutions to water

resources management.

The two sides earlier held cooperation in energy, security, trade,
delegation level talks in Is- cultural and communication fields. They
lamabad today to explore exchanged views to increase contacts on
ways to promote bilateral people-to-people basis between the two
cooperation in various countries and exchange of delegations.
fields, Radio Pakistan re- They also discussed matters relating to
ported. counter-terrorism and controlling human
The two delegations dis- and drug smuggling.
cussed ways to enhance
Page 8

TAPI Project: Ground Breaking Ceremony Announced

The ground breaking ceremony of Turk- and Turkmenistan. economies of the both countries
menistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India He said the project would be beneficial for
(TAPI) project, a 1,735 kilometer long gas
pipeline project, will take place in Turk-
menistan on 13th of December, 2015.
Turkmenistan Ambassador to Pakistan
Atadjan Movlamov said while addressing
a function on Wednesday.
The trans-national gas pipeline project
among Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Paki-
stan and India (TAPI) is vital for economic
growth of regional countries, the Minister
of Inter-Provincial Coordination Riaz
Hussain Pirzada said while addressing
24th Independence Day celebration of
Turkmenistan in Islamabad.
He said TAPI project is vital for Pakistan's
energy needs and would strengthen fur-
ther existing relations between Pakistan

Kazakhstan Want to Join TAPI Pipeline: Erlan Idrissov

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov took part in the

third Summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), held Nov.

23 in Tehran, stressing that Kazakhstan is willing to supply up to

3 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually through a proposed

pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India.

Hosted by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the summit was

attended by representatives of GECF member nations Alge-

ria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar,

Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates

and Venezuela, as well as individuals from observer nations Azer- country is ready to transport up to 3 billion cubic metres annually

baijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman and through this pipeline,” he said. The minister also spoke about

Peru. The participants discussed the prospects of gas industry Nurly Zhol, an ambitious government programme to develop the

development and the benefits of using it as an alternative energy country’s infrastructure, which, among other areas, will focus on

source. Issues were also raised concerning ecology, dynamics and gas exploration.“We will continue to play an active role in estab-

balance in the gas energy market, gas industry expansion, pricing, lishing and transporting the main gas stream between Europe

coordination among forum member states, investments and opti- and Asia, North and South, while remaining a reliable partner for

mising gas consumption. everyone involved in the gas industry,” he said.

Kazakhstan is currently in 18th place globally and third among the The GECF consists of 18 main and observer members with its

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries in terms of permanent secretariat positioned in Doha, Qatar. Previous sum-

proven recoverable gas reserves, with more than 6 -7 trillion cu- mits were held in Doha in 2011 and Moscow in 2013 with the

bic metres. purpose of developing mutual understanding and dialogue be-

In this context, he stressed Kazakhstan is interested in the main tween leading gas producers, consumers and governments on

TAPI gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and global gas policy issues, according to the forum’s website.

India whenever it is built. GECF members account for 42 percent of global gas output, 70

“Discussions are currently taking place with the Indian side about percent of global gas reserves, 40 percent of pipe gas transmis-

the possibility of increasing the capacity of the pipeline, taking sion and 65 percent of global trade of liquefied natural gas, ac-

into account the potential gas supplies from Kazakhstan. Our cording to the forum website.

Page 9

The First Lady Of Azerbaijan:
Gift Distribution At Edhi Homes, Lahore

The Gift Distribution on behalf of Mrs.
Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady of Azerbaijan
and President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation
and goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and
ISESCO was arranged at Edhi Homes, La-
hore. The function was attended by the
Minister for Excise & Taxation of Punjab
Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, the Am-
bassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Dashgin Shikarov, politicians, media repre-
sentatives and the embassy officials. Ad-
dressing the audience Ambassador Dashgin
Shikarov conveyed the affection and soli-
darity of the First Lady and people of Azer-
baijan with beneficiaries Edhi Homes. Talk-
ing about the activity of Heydar Aliyev Foundation (HAF) the Azer- audience that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been extending its
baijani ambassador said that the foundation is contributing to the cooperation in various projects of Edhi Homes. Mr. Mian Mujtaba
social and economic development of the country by implementing Shuja-ur-Rehman also mentioned that recently the President of
various projects in education, public health, culture besides imple- Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain awarded Hilal-e–Pakistan to Mrs.
mentation of number of large scale projects in Azerbaijan and oth- Mehriban Aliyeva for her services to Pakistan. At the end of the
er countries of the World including Pakistan. He highlighted the function the Chief Guest and the Ambassador distributed gifts
shared religious and cultural values of Azerbaijani and Pakistani amongst the children of Edhi Homes. The function was concluded
peoples and stressed to further strengthening of ties between the by concert programs where the children of Edhi Homes demon-
two brotherly countries. In his welcome remarks Mian Mujtaba strated their dancing and musical skills to the distinguished guests.
Shuja-ur-Rehman expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Azerbai-
jan for gesture of love to children of Edhi Homes. He apprised the

Association of Pakistan Graduates from Russia and CIS is organizing Russian Film Show in Lahore at Bahaud-
din Zakariya University in collaboration with Embassy of Russian Federation. His Excellency Alexei Dedov, Am-
bassador of Russian Federation will inaugurate the Russian Film Show. A large number social; activists, civil soci-
ety and artist from film industry will participate in show.

Page 10

Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov Visited Pakistan

Pakistan and Belarus agreed on a road map for economic cooperation
to increase their bilateral trade up to US one billion dollars, with a
focus on industrial cooperation, agriculture and infrastructure devel-
opment.
The document to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sha-
rif and Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov in Islamabad.The two
sides also signed seventeen other agreements, MOUs and protocols
on cooperation in diverse fields. These relate to collaboration and
cooperation in trade, economy, industry, agriculture, agricultural re-
search, investment, science and technology, textile, healthcare and
pharmaceuticals.
A contingent of tri-services guard presented guard of honour to the
visiting dignitary, who also reviewed the parade. The national an-

thems of both the countries were played. He expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the first Pa-
Prime Minister Sharif introduced Prime Minister Kobyakov and his kistan-Belarus meeting of the Joint Economic Commission
delegation with the members of his cabinet. Later, the two Prime on August 7th and added that the second meeting of the
Ministers proceeded for one-on-one talks. After the meeting, PM Na- Pakistan-Business Joint Business and Investment Forum and
waz said he had a very productive round of talks with the Belarusian the inaugural session of Pakistan-Belarus Business Council
PM and the two dignitaries reviewed progress and agreed on con- were most encouraging
crete steps to further enhance their bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said during the talks the two Page 11
sides also discussed regional and global issues, besides taking deci-
sions to further fortify their ties that encompass many new areas. He
said it was the third high level exchange between the two countries in
the past six months and was reflective of the importance the two
sides give to their robust relationship. The premier apprised Mr An-
drey Kobyakov about the upcoming visit of Pakistan's Chairman of the
Foreign Affairs Committee to Belarus. PM Nawaz recalled his visit to
Minsk in August this year terming it as productive, and said the high-
level visits between the two countries had extensively contributed to
the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Ambassador Shikarov Invites Businessmen to Participate in
Pakistan-Azerbaijan Forum April 2016

Ambassador of Azerbaijan Dashgin Shika- countries. He said that bilateral trade between the two countries could be flourished
rov has invited the Pakistani businessmen through exchange of trade delegations and holding of single country exhibitions.
to participate in the exhibition and forum Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that both
being planned for April 2016 in Azerbaijan Pakistan and Azerbaijan have good diplomatic relations and enjoy strong bonds of Is-
and Pakistan. lamic brotherhood but these ties are hardly reflected in two way trade. He said that in
He was talking to the LCCI President 2013, the value of total exports of Pakistan to Azerbaijan was dollar 49.7 million which
Sheikh Muhammad Arshad here at the shrunk to dollar 27.7 million in 2014.
Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Indus- The LCCI President said that it was very unfortunate Pakistan does not figure promi-
try. LCCI Executive Committee Members nently among the trading partners of Azerbaijan. He said that the main reason of such a
were also present on the occasion. low level of trade is lack of proper information about each other’s markets. He pro-
The Ambassador said that proposed exhi- posed that the commercial sections of our respective embassies should share market
bition and forum will provide Pakistani survey reports with their national chambers.
entrepreneurs an opportunity to establish Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that in order to increase private to private contacts and
close contacts with their counterparts in bilateral trade, we need to provide every possible assistance.
Azerbaijan. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that the ground realities favour trading of such prod-
He said that Azerbaijan is keen to ucts which are light in weight and costly in terms of value. Since the businessmen
strengthen trade & economic ties with choose to get their shipments airlifted because of difficult and risky land routes, so, we
Pakistan. He said that joint efforts from need to identify more such items like sports goods, technical/medical apparatus, tobac-
the business community of both sides can co and precious stones etc.
help tap huge potential exist in both

CIS Medical Alumnae meeting held in Lahore

A large numbers of physicians in Lahore graduated from CIS /
USSR, held a special meeting to establish working relationship
with Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS.
Meeting was presided by Dr. Ajmal. APGR-CIS was represented
by Dr. Shahid Hasan and Mr. Imtiaz Ul Haq. Medicine in Russia
has been attracting international students since Soviet days.
Thanks to Russian, international students from developing coun-
tries were studying in Russia without paying any tuition fees. Rus-
sian medical universities have been and remain one of those
leading institutions in Medical studies. The books and textbooks
issued in Russian medical schools have been translated into doz-
ens of languages. Russian degrees have gained global recogni-
tion, and topped UNESCO and WHO ratings. Participants of the
meeting praised Russian institutions and medical colleges for
their contribution, commitments and dedication for developing
countries.

Page 12

Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement Under the commercial agreement, Pakistan Development Company — came into being
for laying a $2.5 billion pipeline to carry will provide 15 per cent equity and the Rus- with financial and technical support of the
imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from sian company 85pc. Russia will invest $2bn erstwhile Soviet Union in the 1960s.
Karachi to Lahore. and the project is expected to be completed
by Dec 2017. The project will be carried out The two sides have been cosying up over a
Sidestepping the normal bidding require- on the build, own, operate and transfer couple of years and have signed a few
ments, the agreement was signed as a gov- basis. It would be run by the Russian firm memoranda of understanding in recent
ernment-to-government deal. Moscow for 25 years to recover investment with weeks enabling Russian energy firms to
would provide a loan of $2bn in return for profit, before handing it over to a Pakistani enter Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration and
the award of the contract to state-run Rus- entity, informed sources said. The Pakistan production sectors through government-to-
sian firm RT Global, an arm of Russia State government will provide a sovereign guar- government contracts.
Corporation. antee for the loan.
A Russian delegation, led by Energy Minister
The Russian company will be responsible for An official statement quoted the prime min- Alexander Novak, arrived in Islamabad on
laying the 1,100km pipeline, which will be ister as saying at the signing ceremony that Thursday night for signing the agreement. It
called North-South Pipeline. It will be capa- Pakistan wanted to develop a multi- held a meeting with Petroleum Minister
ble of carrying 12.4bcm (billion cubic me- dimensional relationship with Russia in vari- Khaqan Abbasi and Prime Minister’s Adviser
ters) per annum to connect LNG terminals ous fields — trade, defence, energy, infra- on Foreign Affairs and National Security
in Karachi with consumption centres near structure and culture. Sartaj Aziz.
Lahore.
Pakistan had signed a similar government-to The Russian firm is expected to begin work
The agreement was signed by Minister for -government agreement with China for on the project in about four months and
Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid laying a $2.5 billion pipeline from Gwadar complete it by the end of December 2017.
Khaqan Abbasi and Russia’s Energy Minister Port to Nawabshah in Sindh. Economic and The Second phase of the project involving
Alexander Novak. Prime Minister Nawaz trade relations between Islamabad and the setting up of compression stations is
Sharif attended the signing ceremony. Moscow have remained severely affected expected to be completed by May-June
for about five decades because of cold war 2019.“Pakistan is expecting President Putin
The two sides had agreed during a recent tensions, even though Pakistan’s two major to pay a landmark visit to Islamabad for
meeting between President Vladimir Putin ventures — the Pakistan Steel Mills and performing the ground-breaking of North-
and Prime Minister Sharif in Ufa to award largest hydrocarbon producer Oil and Gas South Pipeline early next year,” the official
the contract to the Russian firm without statement said.
bidding against which the Russian govern-
ment would extend financing.

The project indicates the likelihood of Rus-
sia providing LNG to Pakistan at a later stage
and also Pakistan’s desire to diversify its
economic and trade relations.

Russia is the world’s second largest natural
gas producer and is looking for new markets
after its recent conflict with Ukraine which
caused deterioration of its relations with
Europe, its major hydrocarbon export mar-
ket.

Page 13

PAK- RUSSIA FIRST INVESTMENT FORUM

The 1st Pakistan-Russia Investment Forum was
jointly organized by the Board of Investment
(BOI) Pakistan and Russian Business Council for
Cooperation with Pakistan, in Islamabad at
Marriott Hotel on November 19, 2015, on the
sidelines of 4th session of Pakistan-Russia Inter-
governmental Commission on trade, economic,
scientific and technical cooperation. The Forum
was co-chaired by Finance Minister of Pakistan
and Federal Minister Drug control services,
Russian Federation, who is the co-chairman of
Pakistan Russia inter-governmental commis-
sion. The Forum was attended by around 80
businessmen from Russia and around 130 local
businessmen. In opening remarks Dr. Miftah

Ismail, MOS / chairman, BOI highlighted that
the existing trade and investment figures be-
tween the two countries are not reflecting the
real potential exist. He highlighted the potential
exist in Paksitan in terms of natural and human
resources. He invited the Russian as well as
Pakistani investors to invest in Pakistan as pro-
spects of co-production;

Page 14

would be stepping stones for setting up direct contacts between the business and in-
vestors community. The Minister also offered the supply of LNG gas to Pakistan. He
particularly mentioned the agreement signed last month for establishing north south
gas pipeline and asked the business representatives of both the countries to work on
other possible areas of cooperation such as banking i.e through opening of bank’s
branches in each other’s country, furthering cooperation in sectors like Electro energy,
infrastructure, oil & gas, transport, agriculture, agriculture, telecommunication and
other areas of mutual cooperation. He mentioned that Tomorrows meeting of IGC will
testify these agreements at governmental level. The Minister also appreciated the eco-
nomic policies of government of Pakistan and expressed the hope that the rising trend
of Pakistan economy opens new avenues for business communities to enhance trade
and investment which is ultimate objective of this forum. (Continued to page 18 )
joint ventures with local partners are promising
in the country. The Russian Minister highlighted
that this first investment forum has provided an
excellent opportunity to businessmen and in-
vestors from both sides to interact and explore
possibilities of joint cooperation trade & invest-
ment. He showed his confidence that this forum
will further cement our bilateral trade & invest-
ment relations as a number of CEOs and compa-
nies representatives of both the countries are
gathered here to discuss avenues of coopera-
tion in various sectors. He pointed out that the
existing volume of trade and investment is not
commensurate with the available potential in
both the countries.
The Russian Minister emphasized that establish-
ment of air links between the two countries

Page 17

Mr. Habib Ahmad Hosted Dinner in the Honor of Russian Delegation

Mr. Habib Ahmad, Honorary consul of Russia federation in Lahore
Pakistan, hosted a dinner in the honor of delegates of 4th session
of Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on trade, eco-
nomic, scientific and technical cooperation. In his welcome ad-
dress Mr. Habib Ahmad has expressed his hopes that Russia
would play a vital role in assisting Pakistan in overcoming crisis of

terrorism, energy
shortage and eco-
nomical stress.
he said that relations
between Pakistan
and Russia were
marked by mutual
understandings on
important political H.E Mr. Victor P. Ivanov, the Minister of the Federal Drug Control
and economic issues. Services of the Russian Federation and CO-Chairman of the Rus-
Speaking on the oc- sian – Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on trade, eco-
casion, head of the nomic, scientific and technical cooperation will grace the forum
Russian delegation, said that Russia had focused on the priority of high diplomatic

relations with Pakistan. He also stressed on
exploiting the intense and vast economic
potential that existed between the two
countries. Thanking all guests and hosts for a
wonderful reception hosted in his honor, Mr.
Victor P. Ivanov, assured of his best efforts
to enhance socio-political relations between
the two countries.

Page 16

Page 17

While addressing the forum Finance Minister of Paki-

stan appreciated both sides for organizing first ever

Investment Forum and expressed his confident t that

this initiative will go a long way to promote business

and economic relations between the two countries.

The Finance Minister also appreciated the efforts put

by chairman BOI, advisory to Prime Minister on for-

eign affairs Mr.Tariq Fatmi and Russian team for re-

solving 17 years old issues relating to outstanding

claims of Pakistanis and Russian businesses. The Min-

ister endorsed the views of Russian Minister that the figures of each country can get the maximum returns on their investments.

bilateral trade and investment are far below the actual existing They suggested that the government had a significant role to play

potential.

The Finance Minister appreciated and thanks the Russian side for PAKISTAN, RUSSIA AGREED ON FREE
establishing north south gas pipeline and invited Russian side to
upgrade Pakistan Steel Mill to make it a profitable entity. The min- TRADE AGREEMENT

ister shared the economic achievements of the present govern- Pakistan has offered Russia to privatize the Steel Mills, Russia has
ment particularly in the areas of energy supplies and promising agreed to provide different types of aircraft and cooperate Pakistan
future economic outlook of Pakistan with special reference to facil- in energy sectors. Pak-Russian intergovernmental commission was

itation to be provided by China Pakistan Economic Corridor to ob- held in Islamabad, after the session, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and
tain 7% GDP growth. The Minister invited specific proposals with Russian delegation’s chief addressed from a joint press conference.
regard to facilitation required from the GOP in the areas of regula-
tory framework, administrative climate and any other area of co- However, Ishaq Dar said that progress has been made in resolving
operation. the trade dispute between Pakistan and Russia for 20 years, where-
Representatives of relevant Ministries/Departments from both as, Russia has agreed to complete North gas line project on time.

sides have given detailed presentations in their respective sectors inance Minister said that Sindh government has not given any re-
sponse over privatization of Steels Mills so far. The chief of Russian

Russia Pakistan B2B Meetings delegation said that new areas have been identified for cooperation
with Pakistan.

B2B meetings were also held during - 4TH SESSION OF INTER-
GOV COMMISSION ON TRADE, ECONOMY. More than 80 busi- in bringing in investments from abroad with policies such as; tax
nessmen/investors participated and held detailed discussions incentives, and other administrative areas to facilitate investors. In
with their counterparts for mutual benefit and enhancement of brief the focus of presentations was on the following main ques-
tions:
Investment & trade.
1. Emerging scenarios of potential in each country

and highlighted huge investment opportunities in these sectors 2. Plans of respective governments to enhance capacity of

and lucrative incentives available for investors to invest in the main various sectors and allied infrastructure

sectors tinted by the presenters from both sides are as under: 3. Facilitations measures and investment initiatives by both

Pakistan side highlighted investment opportunities in the following countries

sectors: 4. Available comparative advantages in both the countries

1. Energy and prospects for future investments in various sectors

2. Petroleum and natural resources At the end, the vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Iftikhar Babar,

3. Food and agriculture Secretary, BOI which concluded the first Pakistan-Russia Invest-

4. Industries and production ment Forum.

5. Textile

6. Communication

7. Information technology

Russian side identified following sectors for mutual cooperation:

1. Transport

2. Oil & Gas

3. Trade industrial potential of republic of Tatarastan

4. Industry & machinery

5. Cooperation in drugs, railways, irrigation of Baluchistan

6. Science & education

7. Capacity building of Pakistani workforce

The presenters highlighted the diversified opportunities that exist

in both the countries and how the businessmen and investors from

Page 18

The SCO BRICS First Forum of Small Business held in Ufa:
Governor Baluchistan, SMEDA and APGR-CIS participated

The first forum of small business regions of the participating tives of government and business leaders from Brazil, China, In-

countries of the SCO and BRICS is held in Ufa, reports "Interfax" dia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan,

with the opening ceremony. 51 regions of Russia and Belarus, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Great

The event started on the territory of the Congress Hall with the Britain, Canada, Turkey , Uganda, Italy, Serbia, Austria, Malta,
opening of the inter-regional exchange of business contacts of Mongolia and Ukraine.

entrepreneurs, exhibition of IT-technologies, industry, mining and It is planned that the plenary session, participants will discuss

processing of raw materials, the environment and tourism. issues of cooperation between regions of the participating coun-

The forum was attended by more than 1.5 thousand. Representa- tries of the SCO and BRICS in the field of creating a favorable
business environment, support mechanisms for the formation of

the inter-regional projects.

The program also envisages holding a panel discussion on the
legal, financial and infrastructural support of small business, stra-
tegic partnership between large and small businesses, special
economic zones and IT-technologies; presentation of investment
projects by regional member countries of the SCO and BRICS.

Pakistani delegation was headed by Governed Baluchistan
included the representative of SMEDA, Association of Pakistani
Graduate s from Russia & CIS and business community .

Page 19

Page 20

Annual Forum was conceived as a platform of interaction of regional mat of B2B negotiations. The forum also served as the exhibition

governors, the federal government, big business, expert bodies and business regions.

entrepreneurs of the SCO and BRIC for building inter-regional busi- 19 INFOPARTNERS, 75 journalists, publications
ness cooperation. Organizers of the forum were intended to find

common ground regional companies from Russia and the SCO and

BRICS understand what prevents the interaction and how to elimi- The first forum of small business regions of the participating coun-

nate or simplify the administrative, logistical, and financial and other tries of the SCO and BRICS

barriers. In the days of the forum on the site has 75 federal and regional jour-

1500 participants, 80 speakers nalists, including 6 members of the press tour, arrived in Ufa from
Moscow. Information partners of the Forum were 19 media, includ-

ing the news agency «Regnum», «Rossiyskaya Gazeta", "Business

The first forum of small business regions of the participating coun- Journal", RIA "FederalPress" and others.

tries of the SCO and BRICS After three days of the forum in the federal and regional mass media

The plenary session Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan Rustem published 736 materials, including about 30 stories on TV Mir24,

Khamitov said he did not expect such a large number of participants Russia 1 Bashkortostan, Russia 24 Bashkortostan, BLS, All Ufa, UTV.

and is pleased that the event is so strongly supported by both Rus- On the opening of the Forum reported leading news agencies, news-

sian and foreign regions. The forum was attended by over 1,500 peo- papers, business portals, TV channels: Interfax, RIA Novosti news

ple from 46 Russian regions and 19 countries. Ufa was visited by agency, Tass, PRIME, RBC, RIA FederalPress, Kommersant, kommer-

delegations from Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyr- sant.ru, Vedomosti.ru, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, rg.ru, Kp.ru, MK.ru, Busi-

gyzstan, China, Latvia, Malta, Mongolia, Pakistan, Serbia, Tajikistan, ness Journal b-mag.ru, to Gazeta.ru, Public Television of Russia, Vesti

Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine and South Africa. FM, Vesti.ru and many others.

The speakers at the forum were the heads of the regions of Russia Since the beginning of 2015 came in 1276 with reference to materi-

and member countries of the SCO and BRICS, as well as heads of als online.

relevant ministries and expert agencies. At the plenary meeting, the

State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the The first forum of small business regions of the participating coun-

Russian Federation Oleg Fomichev, General Director of JSC "Federal tries of the SCO and BRICS became the absolute leader in the num-

Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises" ber of publications in comparison with forums and conferences on

Alexander Braverman, Director General of the Agency's strategic the same theme, held in Russia in 2015, beating the nearest

initiatives to promote new projects Andrei Nikitin, Head of the Re- "competitor" is more than 2.5 times.

public of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov , Chelyabinsk Region Gov-

ernor Boris Dubrovsky, the governor of the province of Baluchistan

(Pakistan) Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Prime Limpopo province

(South Africa) Chupa Matabata Stanley and others.

10 meetings, 4 of the Agreement

The first forum of small business regions of the participating coun-
tries of the SCO and BRICS
During two days of intensive work was held ten meetings. Partici-
pants discussed issues of cooperation between regions of the partici-
pating countries of the SCO and BRICS in the creation of a favorable
environment for business, talked about best practices in the areas of
legislative, financial and infrastructural support to entrepreneurs,
strategic partnership of small and large businesses. Separate sections
were dedicated to the development of businesses with the tools of
franchising development of interregional cooperation in the IT
sphere, the theme of clusters, technology parks and special econom-
ic zones as the infrastructure for the development of small and me-
dium-sized businesses.
In a formal setting was signed four cooperation agreements, includ-
ing - with foreign partners. In addition to the breakout and other
meetings at the Forum was held more than 90 meetings in the for-

Page 21

Bashkortostan - Baluchistan

Prospects of Bilateral Inter-regional Relations

President Rustem Khamitov and Governor Muhammad Khan
Achakzai Explores Opportunities in Ufa Meeting

Dear Mr. Governor! Dear colleagues! Dear Mr Rustem Khamitov

With great pleasure we take you in Ufa, the capital of the Republic We express our gratitude for being invited to visit your republic. I

of Bashkortostan. Our country is one of the largest regions of the note that we are second day in Ufa and we are very impressed

Russian Federation. We have 85 regions, and we are in seventh with what I saw here.

place in the Russian Federation in terms of population. In our We are impressed by the beautiful city and the people living in the

country 54 municipalities and 9 municipal districts. Lives have 4.1 region. Impressive architectural appearance of the city.

million people. Yesterday, we take great pleasure visited the Museum of Archeol-

Our core competencies - oil production, oil refining and petro- ogy and Ethnography of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

chemicals. We - the number one in the Russian Federation for the Our region is located in Central Asia, and we still have never been

production of fuel for cars. In addition, we have developed engi- so far away from this country, especially in the north of Russia. We

neering, agriculture, and mining. We have a strong education sys- see Russia as one of the most powerful countries in the world. We

tem: we have seven federal universities, about a hundred colleges know and appreciate its contribution to the peace process.

and almost 2,000 schools. However, we know that in 1980-1990, in Russia was the economic

Of course, we are considering the possibility of cooperation with downturn. Similar processes occur in other countries. For example,

the provinces of Pakistan. During the summit of the SCO and BRICS in the UK there was a crisis, coupled with the decline in the coal

meeting were presidents, heads of states of our country. They industry. Another example - Japan in the 1970s, began to experi-

agreed to cooperate on a regional level. We, of course, must fol- ence a powerful economic downturn. In this situation, the creation

low these requirements. of such organizations as the SCO and BRICS, we perceive as timely

Is this your first time in our country, Mr. Governor. And we, unfor- a phenomenon of great positive significance.

tunately, were not in your province. Therefore, we must now es- We see that the economic developments in Brazil and in the UK

tablish a business relationship, so that our business has developed are about the same way.

rapidly. You have just seen our possibilities. I am confident that, as We see the role of the SCO member states and the bloc BRICS as

in your country, we will certainly see your options. very significant for small countries that can be supported. Because

Today - the first step for the establishment of such relations, as you are for us - highly developed countries in economic terms.

well as in Ufa, Pakistan was the first step in entering the family of If we combine these great technological achievements of China's

the SCO countries. For us it is a historical event. economic experience, the results can be very significant. There is

Once again, thank you for your visit. We will do everything to en- no doubt that this is a very good association of countries, because

sure that the business of our country, the Republic actively coop- it is present China as the second largest economy in the world.

erated with entrepreneurs in your country. Thus, countries can help each other economically. And when that

union will be on his feet and will gain power, it will support not

only those countries that are part of this association, but also

around the world. (To be continued Page 23)

Page 22

90th Anniversary of ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO celebrated in Karachi

Russian Center for Science and
Culture in Karachi in collabora-
tion with Pak Russia Friendship
Society and Association of Paki-
stani Graduates from Russia &
CIS celebrated 90TH Anniver-
sary of its parent organization
ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO on 31st
October 2015.

Mr Oleg Avdeev Consulate
General of Russian Federation,
Mr. Yury Zozulya - Director
RCSC, Dr. Kaiser Bangali Advisor
to CM Baluchistan and Dr Zahid
Hasan President of APGRS addressed the event. Inauguration of
Office of Pak Russia Friendship Society and Association of Paki-
stani Graduates from Russia & CIS were also organized.

Governor of Balochistan in Ufa We believe Pakistan is a areas. Just three weeks ago I met with the Russian Ambassador

developing economy. But we have a significant potential. We in Pakistan. He also sees great opportunities that may be rele-

have a very strong industrial sector. We see ourselves as an im- vant to our economies. The same evening we took a large dele-

portant country in Asia not only geographically, but also as a gation from Australia. And for dinner, we talked about coopera-

country that has good relations with its neighbors. Therefore, we tion with the SCO on all sides. Your representative was very hap-

believe that there are some areas where we can talk about in- py with this discussion. This economic cooperation will contrib-

vestment opportunities. Some industries cannot compete with ute to the strengthening of peace in our region. At the plenary

European goods, but they can develop successfully on our terri- session you have touched some problems, which we found inter-

tory, taking into account factors rather cheap labor. esting. Colleagues also raised interesting questions. For example,

The corridor between Pakistan and China - a very strong eco- a representative from Italy said that about 60 percent of gross

nomic factor. It can be compared with the Trans-Siberian Rail- domestic product accounted for a small business. Pakistan is also

way. Therefore, there is investment. The province of Baluchistan close to this figure - 58 percent. In this part, too, can share their

is also involved in this process. Balochistan is very well located, experiences to help our businesses. There was an impression

since it has access to Central Asia and China. The Central Asian that China, too, is in the process of reform. So you can use them

delegation very impressed with this project, as well as consider- and our experience. Of course, the exchange - this is a very good

ing the corridor as an opportunity to resolve economic issues. experience of cooperation. Today, Ufa I heard many interesting

Considering all these factors, it appears that the combination of facts that, perhaps, a decade would not have heard.

the SCO and BRICS may be important for Balochistan. The prov- So let me invite you as a guest to visit Pakistan and Baluchistan

ince is rich in minerals - there are iron, copper, manganese, co- province. Yes, of course, we are interested and Russian culture.

balt and gold. All this is a lot, but it is necessary to extract from We know writers, scientists, composers. With us came two rep-

the depths. We are very pleased that just last week Russia signed resentatives of small business. They are willing to share their

a contract for laying gas pipes in our region from Karachi to La- experiences with colleagues from Bashkortostan. We are very

hore. We can also cooperate in the military-industrial sphere. We pleased that the representatives of the private sector of our re-

believe that you and me might have been co-operation in these gion and your participate in the conference.

Page 23

PM Nawaz Sharif Visited Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Uzbekistan
recently. The visit is part of regular high-level exchanges be-
tween the two brotherly countries.
The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation
including Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign
Affairs, Adviser to the Prime Minster on National Security and
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Aviation and senior
officials. According to a press statement from the Foreign Office,

beneficial cooperation with all the countries in the region.

The prime minister's visit to Uzbekistan was reflective of this high

priority and broader commitment to further deepen Pakistan's

engagement with Central Asia, it said. During his stay in

Tashkent, the prime minister had meetings with President Islam

Karimov, covering all aspects of bilateral relations.

Leaders of the two countries reviewed the evolving regional

peace and security scenario and discuss ways in which the two

Pakistan attaches high importance to its deep historical bonds countries can work together and better coordinate to confront
with Central Asia and is committed to expanding mutually-
terrorist threats in the region, said the Foreign Office.

Pakistan Turkmenistan: cooperation in science

A three-member delegation from Turkmenistan called on Paki- and Turkmenistan on November 24-26.

stan Science Foundation (PSF) Chairman Prof Dr Muhammad Ash- The PSF chairman briefed the delegation about the PSF mandate,

raf on Tuesday and discussed avenues of cooperation between programmes and international liaison with S&T organisations of

Pakistan and Turkmenistan for development of science in the two many countries. He said that PSF has signed MoUs of cooperation

brotherly countries. with S&T organisations of China, Turkey and USA etc. Dr. Ashraf

The delegation comprised Turkmenistan Deputy Minister of Edu- said that PSF was established in 1973 under and Act of Parlia-

cation, Turkmen Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov and Turkmeni- ment on the pattern of National Science Foundation of USA for

stan’s National Institute of Manuscript Director Dr Ashyrov An- promotion, development and funding of scientific research.

nagurban. Senior officers from Ministry of Science and Technolo- Pakistan and Turkmenistan have already signed agreement of

gy, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and PSF were also S&T Cooperation in 1994 and practical steps are needed to mate-

present. The delegation is on an official visit to Pakistan for 1st rialise this cooperation, he maintained. The delegation was in-

Meeting of Joint Working Group on Cooperation in the fields of formed that 100 scholarships were available in Pakistan for stu-

Education and Science and Technology (S&T) between Pakistan dents of OIC member countries and Turkmenistan can avail its

share. The meeting concluded

that education, particularly

science education is the only

way to the national develop-

ment and both the brotherly

countries will take practical

measures for cooperation in

the fields of education and

S&T.

Page 24

BOOK OF CONDOLENCES WAS OPENED AT THE EMBASSY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE
AIRCRASH OF THE RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT IN EGYPT

A book of condolences was opened at Republic of Afghani-
stan, Mr. H.M.B.
the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan for the Herath, Consul Gen-
eral of the Demo-
multiple victims of the air crash of Rus- cratic Socialist Re-
public of Sri Lanka,
sian plane that occurred on October 31, Mr. Mohammad
Abdullah Al-Khaledi,
2015 in Egypt. Consul General of
the State of Kuwait,
Mr. Sartaj Aziz, the Adviser to the Prime Mr. John A. Tucknott,
Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs Deputy High Com-
signed a book of condolences along with missioner of British
other heads and representatives of dip- Deputy High Com-
lomatic missions and internation- mission in Karachi,
al organizations in Islamabad. Mr. Abdul Rauf Tabani, Honorary Consul of Belarus, Mr. Akira Ouchi, Consul General of
Japan, Mr. Giulio Iazeolla, Acting Consul of Italy, Mr. Emil Wyss, Consul General of
The Consulate General of the Russian Switzerland, Mr. Murat M. Onart, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Mu
Federation in Karachi also opened a con- Yong Peng, Deputy Consul General of China, Mr. Carsten Mueller, Consul & Deputy
dolence book following the crash of a Head of Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Syed Arifullah Hussaini, Vice-
Russian airliner in Egypt on October 31, Admiral, Commander Karachi, and Mr. Rudy Kurniady, Consul of the Republic of Indo-
2015. A large number of diplomats, offi- nesia, signed a condolence book.
cial and other distinguish personalities
including Mr. Abdullah Hamed Salim Al
Shamsi, Acting Consul General of the
Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Shah Ahmad
Saeed, Consul General of the Islamic

VIPUSKNIK: Dr. Najam ul Sahar

Renowned physician, scholar and Soviet Graduate Mr. Najam ul which have already been published in Pakistan:

Sahar born on 7th March 1957 in Lahore. He is Vice President of Master aur Margarita translated from Russian novel “Master e

Association of Pakistan Graduate Russia and CIS. He did his MD in Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov. Urdu translation was first pub-

1981, from University of Moscow, USSR. He also got Diploma of lished in 2011 by “Sang-e-Meel”.The translation earned score of

interpreter Russian-English languages in 1980 high rating reviews on print and visual media. Novel became pop-

He is Co-author of a number of research papers published in ular among readers and twice new editions have been published.

leading medical journals of USSR and Romania. He was Honored Behar e Tanhai translated from Russian novel “Chelovek Am-

with author’s certificate by USSR Central Board of Inventions and phibia” by Aleksander Belyaev. Urdu translation has been pub-

Discoveries in 1983. lished by “Sang e Meel” in 2014.

Besides practicing family medicine he has been translating Rus- Meri Akhri Jung…Afghanistan; Soviet Afwaj Ke Inkhala Ke Baad

sian literature into Urdu language. He translated following books, translated from Russian book “Moya Poslednya Voina…

Afghanistan bez Sovetskikh Voisk” by soviet general

Gareev M A.Urdu translation has been published by

“Jumhoori Publications in 2015 and has attracted atten-

tion of readers and critics during book fair at expo cen-

ter Lahore.

Mukhtsir roosi afsnoN ka majmua…A collection of Rus-

sian short stories“Nose”and“Portrait” by Gogol,

“Anatomichisky zhenikh” by Belyaev and “Chestney Vor”

by Dostoyevsky….urdu translation submitted for publica-

tion.

Khargosh aur Azhdha translated into urdu from Russian

novel “Krolike e udave” by Fazil Iskander….submitted for

publication.

Page 25

Page 25

Russia– Pakistan: 4th Inter Governmental Commission

Page 26

Yuri Kozlov Visited Lahore, Sargodha , Gujrat Chambers:
Met with Businessmen

Trade and business relations between Pakistan and Russia Arshad, president LCCI, Mukhtar Mirza president SCCI, Mr.
are significantly improving but yet we need more direct Muhammad Ijaz president GtCCI warmly welcome Russian
link between business communities of the both countries. envoy and ensured full cooperation for promoting trade
It was expressed by Mr. Yuri Kozlov, head of Trade Repre- and business between two countries.
sentation of Russian Federation in Paki-
stan during his visit to various chamber
commerce of Industries in Punjab.
Mr. Kozlov visited chambers of com-
merce and industry in Lahore, Srago-
dha, and Gujrat He explained in detail
the huge opportunities of bilateral co-
operation between the two sides and
said Pakistan Steel Mills and Guddu
Power Plant in Muzaffargarh were the
examples of cooperation and close link-
ages. According to him, Pakistan can be
assisted in various fields including geol-
ogy, transport and infrastructure devel-
opment. “Information about major Rus-
sian companies is available on our web-
site with their field of expertise,” he
said.
Russia is agreed to provide Pakistan
technical and financial support for mega
transnational projects such as Karachi-
Lahore gas pipeline, CASA-1000 power
supply and TAPAI gas pipeline.
Conner of Association of Pakistan Grad-
uates from Russia and CIS Dr. Shahid
Hasan said on the occasion that busi-
nessmen could avail huge opportunities
in Russia and proposed a Pak-Russian
trade centre to further strengthen eco-
nomic relations. Sheikh Muhammad

Page 27

Lahore: celebration of Award A delegation of the Trade Development Authority
of Pakistan (TDAP) has visited Moscow and Saint
for Mr. Habib Ahmed Petersburg from 14 to 18 September 2015.

A grand ceremony to celebrate awarding a Rus-

sian Medal to Mr. Habib Ahmed, The Russian

Honorary Consul General in Lahore by Russian

President Vladimir Putin for his noble services to

bring closer relation between two countries, will

be held in Lahore. Governor Punjab and Ambas- BELARUSSIAN MINISTER CALLS ON

sador of Russian federation in Pakistan will be the MINISTER FOR WATER AND POWER

Chief Guests of ceremony. Association of Paki-

stan graduates from Russia and CIS hails decision Mr. Vitaly Vovk, Minister for Industry of Belarus called on Khawaja Muham-
of President of Russian Federation and congratu- mad Asif, Federal Minister for Water and power. Areas of mutual interest and
lated Mr. Habib Ahmed. APGR&CIS viewed that bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, defense and technological develop-
with the efforts of Mr. Habib Ahmed, both coun- ment came under discussion.
tries has now come forward in the fields of eco- It was apprised that Belarus was equipped with modern technologies in coal
nomic development, cultural and technical coop- mining , dam construction and agriculture sector development. “our technolo-
eration gy is European base, having good quality and low price , the Minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Water and Power said that Pakistan have
Mr. Habib Ahmed praise Russian president Mr. V. a lot of potential for the foreign investors, the policies of the government are
Putin for his contribution and said “Pakistan’s business friendly. He urged the Belarusian Minister to come and make invest-
progress and prosperity is linked to regional ment in energy and agriculture sectors in Pakistan.
peace and stability, and also depend upon close Both the side agreed that people to people contact and exchange of delegation
cooperation with regional countries and the in- might be increased as it would lead to amplify trade and business activities be-
tween the two countries.
The Minister also accepted the invitation extended by the Belarusian’s Minister

ternational community. Both the countries have

immense potential for economic and commercial

relations.” He said that Pakistan was facing great

challenges like natural calamities, energy crisis

and terrorism. “Despite all the crises, the demo-

cratic government is committed to reviving the

economy and eliminating militancy and terror-

ism,” he said. “I am sure that with the common

efforts, we will be able to overcome these cri-

ses.”

Page 28

Painting of Mr. Yuri Kozlov: Exhibition @ COMSATS

Association of Pakistan Graduates from Russia and CIS in collabora-
tion with COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, is organizing
painting exhibition of Mr. Yuri Kozlov at the Art Gallery located in
university campus in Islamabad. Mr. Yuri Kozlov was born in Moscow.
He graduated from the Economics Facul-
ty of Moscow State University in 1980.
He served Ministry of Economic Develop-
ment of the Russian Federation, worked
on the development and improvement of
trade and economic cooperation of Rus-
sia with the countries of South Asia. Since
2011, he is serving as head of Trade Rep-
resentative of the Russian Federation in
the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Page 29

Russian Consul General partici-
pated in the Sindh Madressatul

Islam University Seminar

Consul General of the Russian Federation Mr. Oleg Avdeev partic-
ipated in the seminar organized by Sindh Madressatul Islam Uni-
versity. The topic of the seminar was «Higher education in Paki-
stan: the way forward». Mr. Oleg Avdeev spoke on the seminar MoU with Russia. He offered SMIU to send a batch of its students
panel which discussed Pakistan’s cooperation with international to study for few months in Russia. "These exchanges could be
partners in education. Consul General of Russia Mr. Oleg N. Av- very fruitful as we have space research and technology, hence
deev in his speech said that research and higher teaching are a they can benefit from it. He said that we are working with Paki-
great source of Pakistan, but it requires more practical touch and stan on these lines to establish linkages between both countries
establishment of more educational institutions in Pakistan. He and we are offering ten free scholarships to Pakistan's students.
said that there was only one university in Karachi that has singed

Pak Russia Language Club PAKISTAN FESTIVAL IN
launched in Karachi MOSCOW

A young Pakistani entrepreneur Russian State University of Humanity (RSUH) organized “Pakistan

Ms. Huma Ghouse, has launched Festival” by presentation of Pakistan culture, stalls, Pakistani food,

Pak Russia Language Club (PRLC) music, concert and documentary films. A large number of Russian

to teach Russian in Urdu lan- students participated festival. Mr. Awais Qadir, President of Paki-

guage. stan Students Association Moscow played a key role to introduce

Huma herself started to learn cultural heritage, music, beautiful landscape. and beautiful diver-
Russian at National University of sity. Festival was also attended by foreign students studying in
Moscow. Pakistan Festival held at Chayanova Street, Moscow, on
Modern Languages, Islamabad 10th October, 2015.
and then got admission in Peo-

ples' Friendship University, Mos-

cow, Russia.

With Pak Russia Language Club,
her inspiration is to teach busi-
ness and communicative Russian for travelers to Russia and other
CIS countries. She thinks that emerging economic and diplomatic
cooperation between Russia and Pakistan essentially increase
strength of Russian language in our bilateral relations. She claims
that Russian language will be future business language of Pakistan
along with English.

Pak Russia Language Club is currently established in Karachi but she
intent to enhance it in other region of Pakistan.

Page 30

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Page 31

VIPUSKNIK

Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia and CIS

Chief Editor Editorial Board
Dr. Shahid Hasan
Ashique Hamdani, Saleem Malik,
Email: drhasan47@gmail.com
Call+923364587263 Engineer Iftikhar Ali