Russia, Pakistan prepare 10 cooperation agreements ahead of Moscow meeting

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev has chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), with more than 10 bilateral cooperation agreements nearing completion.

The 11th session of the commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation is scheduled to take place in Moscow on November 25, 2026. Tsivilev and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari are co-chairing the commission.

During the preparatory meeting, Tsivilev stressed the importance of building on existing achievements, identifying new opportunities and accelerating joint projects between the two countries.

Representatives of Russian federal government departments and companies attended the meeting to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation. More than 10 agreements covering different sectors are in the final stages of preparation and are expected to be signed.

Energy cooperation remained a major focus of the discussions. The two sides explored opportunities to improve energy efficiency, introduce energy storage systems, supply Russian energy resources and develop new hydropower projects. Modernisation of existing facilities and protection of energy infrastructure against cyber threats were also discussed.

In the transport sector, both countries identified maritime shipping and greater cooperation through the International North-South Transport Corridor as promising areas for expanding economic ties.

Industrial cooperation was another important subject, with discussions covering the possible revival of Pakistan’s Karachi Steel Mills. The two sides also considered expanding healthcare cooperation, particularly through the potential establishment of local production facilities for Russian insulin in Pakistan.

On the trade front, a research group was established in 2026 to examine the possibility of a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Both countries intend to continue consultations on the proposed arrangement.

Agricultural trade between Russia and Pakistan has also recorded progress, with bilateral trade in the sector increasing by 17 per cent. Russian exports of finished agricultural products to Pakistan are continuing to rise. Further cooperation could include mineral fertilisers, crop breeding, agricultural research and technology, as well as the possible supply of veterinary vaccines.

Education and scientific exchanges are also expanding. Around 1,400 Pakistani students enrolled at Russian educational institutions during the 2025-26 academic year, twice the number recorded in 2023. Both countries are preparing draft intergovernmental agreements covering educational cooperation and mutual recognition of academic qualifications.

An Open Education Centre is already operating in Islamabad, providing Russian-language courses. The Russian Teacher Abroad programme is also being developed to strengthen educational links.

The meeting also reviewed cooperation in disaster management. Russian emergency officials participated in joint comprehensive exercises in January 2026 focusing on responses to forest fires, avalanches and heavy snowfall.

Russia and Pakistan have a history of cooperation in emergency response. Russian rescue teams assisted relief operations following Pakistan’s devastating 2005 earthquake.

The two sides also highlighted opportunities to strengthen cultural relations and expand exchanges between their populations.

Concluding the meeting, Tsivilev said the priority was to translate promising areas of cooperation into practical projects and prepare concrete proposals for consideration at the upcoming commission session.