Russia and Pakistan come to agreement on Iran gas pipeline project

Despite intense pressure from the United States, on Monday Pakistan and Russia agreed to cooperate in a pipeline project under which gas will be imported from Iran, The Express Tribune reports.

During a meeting of the inter-governmental joint commission, officials of the two countries discussed the possibility of Russia’s participation in the multi-billion dollar gas pipeline project, official sources said on Monday. The meeting was part of an initiative by both countries to forge a better working relationship and open a new chapter of cooperation.

The fate of the project still hangs in the balance, with mounting pressure from the US, which is keen on imposing sanctions on countries intending to cut business deals with Iran.

A statement issued after the meeting by Russia’s deputy energy minister and representatives of Gazprom International and Inter RAO revealed details of intended fields of cooperation, but did not mention the Iranian gas pipeline.

“The two sides are exploring different options and Russia is keen to become a part of the Iran gas project at government level, instead of taking part through international competitive bidding,” a government official told the Express Tribune.