PM’s meeting with SCO leaders to bring positive economic results: Dr Asim

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain on Thursday said the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s current meetings with the leaders of the region would help bring positive results for the economic prosperity of the country.Talking to Pakistan Television (PTV), he said that in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, fruitful discussions were held about making energy corridors, SCO banking, besides energy clubs so that the people of this region could get benefits and progress from the initiatives in a befitting manner.


He said that Pakistan’s meetings with SCO leaders would bring positive results in days to come.He expressed the hope that implementation of the projects including oil and gas pipeline would bring prosperity for the people of Pakistan especially resolving the energy crisis facing the country.
To a question, the minister said that there were discussions for inter-connectivity of road, and rail links among the regional countries for boosting trade activities.
He said that Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s meeting with Russian and Chinese leaders was also very positive.
The Minister said that Russian and Chinese premiers had given assurances to Prime Minister for extending support in several projects which would further improve the relations between these countries.
Dr Asim said that Pakistan and China during the meeting had re-affirmed their relations for the benefit of the people of the two nations.
He said that both the leaders had also discussed issues relating to war on terrorism, and peace in Afghanistan.
He said that Russian leader assured the funding for Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran pipeline (TAPI) project.
Dr Asim said that the Russian premier also assured the modernization and expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills. He said that the regional countries also gave recommendation for the membership of Pakistan in the SCO.
Dr Asim Hussain said that several fruitful discussions were held in the SCO meeting for progress and prosperity of the region.
Replying to a question regarding the energy demand of Pakistan, the Petroleum Minister said “We had short term and long term planning for protecting the energy resources for our future.” (APP)