moscow
Relations between Pakistan and Russia seem to be continuously strengthening for some time. Now both the countries are also going to be connected by direct railway line. Giving this information in an interview with RT, Pakistan’s Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said that Russia and Pakistan are being connected by a new freight train line. Apart from this, talks are also going on to start direct air service between the two countries, a decision on which can be taken soon. The improving relationship between the two countries is attracting attention because Russia has historically been a friend of India but in recent times it has emphasized on improving its relations with Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Muhammad Khalid Jamali had expressed his desire to join INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) in the International IT Forum held in Khanty-Mansiysk this year. INSTC is a 7,200 km long transport route that connects Russia and West Asia to India via Iran. Leghari said that for the first time in March next year, a goods train will run from Russia to Pakistan. This train will travel from Russia to Pakistan via Iran and Azerbaijan.
Economic relations are strengthening between Russia and Pakistan
Leghari said that talks are also going on to start direct air service between the two countries. A lot of interest is being shown in this from both sides and it is expected that some concrete result will be achieved in this matter. In October this year, during the visit of a delegation of the Federation Council of Russia to Islamabad, transport and logistics projects between the two countries were discussed. Leghari has said that the direct railway line will strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. Both Islamabad and Moscow have expressed commitment to enhance cooperation in trade. The trade between the two countries is about one billion dollars.
Laghari said, ‘INSTC project will help Pakistan to reach the markets of Russia and West Asia. This will boost Pakistan’s trade and strengthen its economy. With the start of direct air service, movement between people of the two countries will become easier. It will promote tourism and cultural exchange. Increasing cooperation between the two countries is also important for regional stability and development. Both Pakistan and Russia have been seen trying to take their relations to new heights in recent times. There is a new link railway line in this direction.
