Pakistan Stream gas pipeline at advanced discussion stage - Lavrov

MOSCOW. Jan 30 (Interfax) - The discussions over the construction of the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline are at an advanced stage, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"The issue has reached an advanced stage of consideration. I have no doubt that progress will be additionally affirmed in the near future," Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on Monday, following talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The project "was addressed at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Islamabad ten days ago," Lavrov said.

As to whether the United States can create obstacles for this project, including by secondary sanctions, Lavrov said, "As for the U.S. guarantees they will not hinder our energy deals, of course, they will be creating obstacles."

Pakistan is dealing with a serious energy crisis but is expecting to make progress in cooperation with Russia in energy and other spheres, the Pakistani foreign minister said in turn.

As to whether Pakistan had received U.S. guarantees of not hindering Russian oil supply, Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan was in active talks on energy cooperation with Russia.

He said he was hoping that third countries would not interfere in Russian-Pakistani relations.