Pakistan and Russia have agreed to pay for energy purchases in “currencies of friendly countries” according to a Russian energy ministry official. The statement was made during the eighth session of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission which was held in Islamabad on January 22. The countries also agreed to start crude oil exports to Pakistan in late March, and to work on a “Comprehensive Plan for Energy Cooperation” which would be finalised in 2023. The countries also agreed to explore the option of barter trade and to share information towards developing and improving rail and road infrastructure.