Russia strong supporter of CPEC, says envoy

ISLAMABAD: Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Y Dedov has said his country strongly supports the CPEC and termed the mega-project crucial for Pakistan’s economy and regional connectivity.



In an interview with Radio Pakistan on Saturday, he pointed out that Russia was working on the Eurasian Economic Union and described the endeavour as similar to China’s Silk Road plans of which CPEC is a component. He said Russia and China were holding discussions to merge the Eurasian Economic Union and the Silk Road.



Asked about the North-South gas pipeline project of the Pakistan government, the Russian ambassador said Moscow is eager to realise the project at the soonest. He said the two countries are closely cooperating in different areas but there is need to enhance the volume of bilateral trade.

About Mi-35 gunship helicopter deal between the two countries, Dedov said the contract has already been signed and it is now for the officials concerned to define a timeframe for their delivery.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2016.