An agreement to promote trade and cooperation through road networks has been signed between Pakistan and Russia. The agreement was signed in a meeting of Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services, Maulana Asad Mahmood with the Russian Transport Minister, Vitaly Savelyev. After the signing ceremony, Asad Mehmood, the Minister for Communications, highlighted the importance of Russia as a country of geo-political significance.

He said that Pakistan views its relations with Russia in a very respectful manner. He continued, “Russia is an advanced country and Pakistan can learn a lot from its experiences. We can establish long-term commercial relations with Russia on the back of enhanced public relations. Movement of goods and services between the two countries will bring us closer together.”

He said, “the opening up of a road network between the two countries will help Pakistan in exporting its fruits, garments, surgical instruments, leather and agricultural products to Russia. Russia, on the other hand, will be able to export its LNG to Pakistan.” He stressed the importance of the agreement as a “need of the hour.” It is pertinent to mention here that through this agreement, transport operations will be carried out between the two countries on the basis of road transport permits, which will be provided free of cost to the transporters by the competent authorities of both countries.

To carry out the provisions of the agreement, a joint working group will be formed to streamline operational rules and regulations and to examine issues related to its implementation. The dignitaries expressed this hope that business activities will resume and that peace dividends will accrue to all the parties concerned when the Ukraine crisis is over.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk