Pakistan, Russia considering to launch direct flights

Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has called upon both Pakistan and Russia to soften their visa policies in order to facilitate bilateral trade and tourism, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a seminar on Pak-Russia relations organized by IRS in Islamabad on Thursday, Awais Leghari stressed on the promotion of trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Russia and said that there has been significant improvement in the bilateral relations of the two countries over the past two decades.

The minister said a soft visa policy will provide travel facilities to tourists and businessmen of both countries.

Pakistan and Russia are committed to peace, stability and respect for UN laws in the region, Leghari said and added promotion of mutual trade will further strengthen the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia.

He said trade and economic activities between the two countries should continue and direct flights are being considered between Pakistan and Russia.

Pakistan and Russia are in talks to invest in the energy sector and billion-dollar projects like the "Pak Stream Gas Pipeline", the minister said and added, there is a dire need for extensive cooperation between Russia and Pakistan in the energy sector.

Leghari said both countries will have to facilitate visa policies for each other. “A soft visa policy will provide travel facilities to tourists and businessmen of both countries,” he added.

Reporter Awais Kiyani