The Hindu : Russia to upgrade ties with Pak.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 15, 2002

International

International

Russia to upgrade ties with Pak.

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW APRIL 14. A delegation of Russian parliamentarians is visiting Pakistan on a six-day trip from today as part of new efforts to upgrade relations between the two countries, according to Itar-Tass news agency.

The news agency quoted the head of the Lower House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Dmitry Rogozin, who leads the delegation, as saying that the Russian MPs will discuss bilateral economic ties and terrorism. "We will explore prospects of Russia's participation in economic projects in Pakistan, such as the transportation of energy carriers via Pakistani territory and ensuring its security," Mr. Rogozin told Itar-Tass. Mr. Rogozin also said the Russian MPs would be interested in knowing "the Pakistani side's stance on the problem of fighting terrorists and extremists."

The MPs' visit to Islamabad paved the way for a series of trips by Russian officials to Pakistan for the normalisation of bilateral relations, Itar-Tass said. Relations between Russia and Pakistan have long been strained by Pakistan's support to the Taliban and Chechen rebels, but bilateral contacts have picked up after both countries joined the U.S.-led anti-terrorist coalition.

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