The US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has stated that US respects Pakistan’s decision to procure Russian crude in Chinese Yuan.
Miller’s statement came in response to a question asked during a press briefing on Wednesday about political chaos following May 9 mayhem Russian oil deal.
Commenting on the resolution passed by the National Assembly on the army act, the spox said, “We are aware of the reports concerning civilians who will face military trials for their suspected involvement in the May 9th protest.”
He went on to say that US will continue to urge Pakistani authorities to respect democratic principles and the rule of law for all people as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
USA’s response to military courts threat by PDM pic.twitter.com/GxzabshNLa
— PTI (@PTIofficial) June 13, 2023
Responding to Pakistan-Russia cheap oil deal, he said first of all, with respect to that transaction, we have been very clear that each country has to make its own choices based on its own circumstances in terms of energy imports.
Read more: Russia says US should not ‘lecture’ Saudi Arabia on oil production policy
He added that Russian oil was sold at very low prices compared to the global market rates. He further clarified that the US had not imposed any restrictions on Russian oil exports.
Pakistan & Russia oil deal
In a landmark development, Pakistan received its first shipment of Russian crude oil under an agreement signed between the two countries in April.
The cargo carrying 45,000 metric tonnes of crude oil arrived at the southern city of Karachi on Sunday. Another 50,000 metric tonnes is expected to arrive later this week, according to the Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL), where the crude oil will be processed.
Read more: Pakistan PM says first discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi
Pertinent to mention that Russia has been slapped with sanctions from the Western powers after it invaded Ukraine last year, cutting its oil and gas exports to the European Union and the United States.
The deal with Pakistan gives Russia a new oil market after India and China as the Ukraine conflict rages on.