Describing the import of Russian oil by Pakistan as a good omen, Russia’s Ambassador in Pakistan Danila Ganich said on Tuesday that barter trade could be of benefit to both the countries.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Ganish said that if Pakistanis were happy that finally oil from Russia had arrived in their country, so were the Russians.
He expressed his country’s desire to expand trade relations with Pakistan. “Today Russia’s national day is being celebrated not only in Russia but also in Pakistan,” he said, adding, “Today, on this auspicious day, I also felicitate the people of Pakistan.
Ganich also showed his country’s willingness to make both Pakistan and India sit at the negotiating table for the resolution of Kashmir issue.
The first shipment of Russian oil to energy-starved Pakistan was unloaded at Karachi Port on Monday.
State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik previously said shipments will be paid for in currencies of “friendly countries”, with Pakistan’s US dollar reserves dangerously low and Russia pivoting away from the greenback.
“This is the first-ever Russian oil cargo to Pakistan and the beginning of a new relationship between Pakistan and Russian Federation,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Twitter.
Local media reported the cargo of 100,000 metric tons of oil left Russia a month ago and was split across two smaller ships in Oman before sailing to Karachi.
Islamabad imports 84 percent of its petroleum products and has historically relied on friendly Gulf States for shipments.
