ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said the country is interested in strengthening economic and transport links with Russia through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
In an interview with Russian news agency Sputnik, Leghari said improved rail links and Pakistan’s participation in the corridor could connect Russia and Central Asia to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar. He described the corridor as important for Pakistan, Russia, Iran and the Central Asian region, and said Gwadar’s infrastructure was “absolutely prepared.”
Gwadar As A Regional Trade Gateway
Leghari said stronger transport connectivity could create opportunities for increased trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan, Russia and other regional countries.
Pakistan has also previously expressed support for linking the INSTC with Gwadar Port. The government says such connectivity could strengthen Pakistan’s role in regional trade and wider Eurasian economic integration.
Focus On Trade And Connectivity
The energy minister highlighted potential cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in areas including energy, agriculture, food security, tourism and information technology. He also said new rail links could help facilitate bilateral and regional trade.
The development would require further transport and logistics connectivity to fully integrate Gwadar with the wider North-South corridor.
