Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform of Pakistan H. E. Professor Ahsan Iqbal held a bilateral meeting with Federal Minister for Transport of Russia H. E. Mr. Maksim Sokolov

28 December 2016

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform of Pakistan H. E. Professor Ahsan Iqbal held a bilateral meeting with Federal Minister for Transport of Russia H. E. Mr. Maksim Sokolov on 09 December 2016 in Moscow.

The two sides shared views on regional connectivity and the importance of transportation sector in developing economies and people-to-people contact. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal stressed that Pakistan wants to further enhance connectivity in the region. He opined that Pakistan is placed at a group-economic location where it can link South Asia, China and Central Asia. Through China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the country can integrate 03 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. Pakistan seeks peace and harmony in the region so that economic cooperation can flourish. He said Pakistan wants to develop strong partnership with Russia in all fields particularly higher education.

Mr. Maksim Sokolov seconded the opinion and expressed that 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 between the two countries.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal remarked that lack of connectivity between the two countries is hampering our trade as well. He further remarked that direct air route should be restored.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal invited Mr. Maksim Sokolov to visit Pakistan.

Mr. Maksim Sokolov invited Mr. 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 to deliver a lecture at Transport University.