Pakistan-Russia agree to enhance regional connectivity
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ISLAMABAD: (APP) Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Professor Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Transport of Russia, Maksim Sokolov Saturday discussed the importance of regional connectivity, transportation sector and people-to-people contact in developing economies.
On this occasion, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that Pakistan wants to further enhance connectivity in the region, a statement received here Saturday said.
The minister opined that Pakistan is placed at a group-economic location where it can link South Asia, China and Central Asia.
Ahsan Iqbal remarked that lack of connectivity between the two countries was hampering trade as well and urged for restoring direct air route.
The minister said through China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the country can integrate three billion of world population in the region.
He expressed interest in connecting Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) countries through road and rail with Russian Federation for both passengers and cargoes to promote Eurasian cooperation.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attaches great importance to developing strong relations with Russia.
Pakistani economy is fast growing and with a market size of 200 million population offers great opportunities for investments.
The minister said Pakistan seeks peace and harmony in the region so that economic cooperation can flourish, adding it wants to develop strong partnership with Russia in all fields particularly higher education.
He invited Maksim Sokolov to visit Pakistan, the statement added.
Maksim Sokolov said Russia shares the same principles about regional integration.
He agreed with the importance of transport connectivity between the two countries as well as development of transit corridors to strengthen cooperation.
Maksim Sokolov invited Ahsan Iqbal to Expo-2017 to be held in Kazakhstan in June 2017.
He also extended invitation to International Road Show (ROADEXPO) to be held in Moscow in October 2017 and for delivering a lecture at Transport University.
