ISLAMABAD – A high-level Russian delegation has reached Pakistan fornegotiating direct commercial flights service between Karachi andPetersburg.

The Vice Governor of Petersburg Sergei Movchan will discuss the possibilityof direct flights service between Karachi and Petersburg during his stay inPakistan.

The Petersburg administration told Russian newspaper Izvestia that duringthe meeting the parties intend to sign a roadmap for trade and economiccooperation and cooperation between regional companies specializing inpharmaceuticals, gas production and pipe equipment and light industry.

In addition, the issue on the possibility of opening a direct air service“St. Petersburg – Karachi” is on the agenda.

Pakistan and Russia are getting closer and both countries are engaged indefence cooperation while Russian companies are busy negotiating a 1300 Kmlong gas pipeline with Pakistan.

Port city of Karachi was linked with Moscow through direct commercialflights in the early 90s but the relationship between the two countrieswent through bad phases and law and order situation in Pakistan becamealarming, resulting suspension of several international flights fromKarachi.

Now Pakistan is being considered as a safe destination and direct flight toKarachi would help Russian businessmen to explore business opportunities inPakistan which have become flagship country for Chinese mega project ofOne-Belt One-Road (BRI).