Russia denies reports of ‘secret talks’ with Pak on CPEC
Pakistani media on Saturday reported that Islamabad has decided to accord approval to a request by Moscow for using the Gwadar Port for its exports.
Russia on Tuesday denied holding any “secret talks” with Pakistan on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“The possibility of Russia joining this initiative is not being discussed with Islamabad,” Russian ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.
Rubbishing the Pakistani media reports, the statement said: “Secret talks between Russia and Pakistan on the CPEC do not correspond to the realities.”
Pakistani media on Saturday reported that Islamabad has decided to accord approval to a request by Moscow for using the Gwadar Port for its exports.
It said that Russia had shown its willingness to be part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
On the trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, the Russian foreign affairs ministry statement said: “Our trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan has its own value. We aim for its further strengthening.”
Russian companies are implementing business projects in Pakistan, including the construction of North-South gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, on bilateral basis, the statement said.
Russia will invest $2 billion in the project signed last year and the first phase of the pipeline is expected to be completed by December next year.
