Ambassador of Russia in Pakistan Elexey Yurievich Dedov called on Punjab Chief Minister

Lahore: Ambassador of Russia in Pakistan Elexey Yurievich Dedov called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here today. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and cooperation in different sectors were discussed on the occasion.

Talking to the Russian Ambassador, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan and Russia have longstanding friendly relations and there is a need for promotion of cooperation in economic, trade and other sectors between the between the two countries. He said that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis and the government is taking steps on war footings for resolving the problems of shortage of electricity. He said that attention is also being paid to improving the supply system of electricity. He said that Russia can cooperate with Pakistan in energy sector. He said that steel mill is a shining example of excellent relations between Pakistan and Russia and the time has come to revive the relationship between the two countries and promote cooperation in trade, economic and other sectors. He said that cooperation of Russia in coal-based power projects and mining of iron ore reserves will be welcomed.

Russian Ambassador Elexey Yurievich Dedov said that his country wants to promote economic relations with Pakistan and the volume of trade between the two countries should be increased. He said that he is deeply impressed with the progress made by Lahore and Lahore Metro Bus project is providing excellent travelling facilities to the citizens. He said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has completed these projects of public welfare with commitment and hard work. Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr. Farrukh Javed, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, Secretary Minerals and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.

Former secretary of states David Miliband also called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif .During the meeting CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif briefed David Miliband about the measures being taken for the development of education, health, law and order and other sectors in province. He further said that a comprehensive plan is being implemented with the cooperation of British Department for International Development (DFID) for the uplift of education and health sectors.

David Miliband said that Punjab government has taken effective measures for the welfare and betterment of the people of the province. He said that Punjab is making rapid progress in various sectors under the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif. He said that cooperation will be promoted with Punjab government in rescue, education and health sectors. Provincial Ministers Col. (Retd.) Shuja Khanzada, Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Secretary School Education, Secretary Sports, Secretary Home and Director General PDMA were also present on the occasion.

Energy experts of Germany also met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here today. Matters regarding projects of generation of electricity from coal were discussed in the meeting. Talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister said that resolving of energy crisis is the top priority of the government and all out measures are being taken for this purpose.

He said that besides traditional methods of power production, the government is also paying attention to generation of energy from alternative sources. Shahbaz Sharif said that there are vast reserves of coal in Punjab and by adopting modern methods of mining this coal can be used for production of electricity. He said that planning has been made for setting up a 150 megawatts coal power plant in the province and a number of prominent companies have expressed interest in this regard. He said that Germany has expertise in coal and solar power projects and Pakistan wants to benefit from German technology and experience in energy sector. He said that all out facilities are being provided to foreign investment companies in the province.