MOSCOW – Russia’s ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday denied the reports claiming that it is holding “secret talks” with Pakistan on the creation of China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), or discussing the possibility of joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project with Pakistan.
“Secret negotiations” between Russia and Pakistan on the implementation of projects as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are not true to the facts, the press released stated referring to Pakistani media’s reports.
“Reports appearing in Pakistan’s media about some ‘secret talks’ between Russia and Pakistan on the creation of CPEC do not correspond to the realities. The possibility of Russia joining this initiative is not being discussed with Islamabad. “Our trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan has its own value. We aim for its further strengthening. The implementation by Russian companies of business projects in IRP, including the construction of North-South gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, are implemented on a bilateral basis,” as per the statement, which was circulated by the Russian Embassy here.
Reports on Pakistani media had earlier claimed that Russia wanted to use the Gwadar port and join the USD 46 billion CPEC to reap maximum dividends.
