Russia expresses keen desire for multiple mega projects in Pakistan: Report
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ISLAMABAD - Russia has expressed keen desire to carry out multiple mega projects in Pakistan including North South Pipeline, Steel Industry and Railways Network.
Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwala Tuesday said Russia wanted to develop relations with Pakistan, take part in its development projects of gas and steel and play a broader role in the region.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House here, he said, “Super powers wanted to realign in the region and Russia wanted to get involved in the politics of the region. Clearly it wanted to play a role in the region.”
Giving details of the Speakers Conference in Russia attended by a four member delegation of Senators led by him, he said regional issues were raised at the conference attended by 148 delegates of 40 countries.
Saleem Mandviwala said participation in parliamentarian conferences had raised the profile of Pakistan and countries like Russia were now engaging Pakistan.
He mentioned that Russians were eager that Pakistani delegation should come which showed that Parliaments of the two countries were coming together. The Deputy Chairman said parliamentary diplomacy was very important and could resolve issues related to executive.
To a question, he said Russian President once stated “if you are friend of China you are friend of Russia” and it showed that relations of Pakistan with China and Russia were at the same level. Russia wanted to do more in Pakistan whether it was north south gas pipelines or steel mills or Quetta Taftan railways.
“They are all out to develop relationship with Pakistan.” He said the Speaker of Afghanistan took up issues related to his country and the Pakistani delegation endorsed his views and extended its support. The Afghan representative said with the support of Parliament of Pakistan, the two countries could resolve their problems and become good friends, he recalled.
Saleem Mandviwala said the issue of Kashmir was also raised by the Pakistani delegation and Islamic and other countries supported their stand and stated that Kashmir issue should be resolved.
