Russian PM to visit Islamabad on April 11

Islamabad, Apr 9: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail E Fradkov will arrive here on Wednesday to hold talks with the Pakistani leadership on ways to develop strong relations between the two countries.

This will be the first visit by a Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan. Earlier, Premier Alexey Kosygin visited the country in May 1969 as Foreign Minister of the erstwhile Soviet Union.

''The Russian Prime Minister will hold in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and call on President Pervez Musharraf,'' foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam told a press briefing in Islamabad today.

His three-day itinerary in Islamabad also includes a meeting with the country's top businessmen.

Ms Aslam said the major focus of the visit would be on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries with particular emphasis on the ways and means to enhance economic cooperation and added that prospects of a meaningful joint collaboration exist between Pakistan and Russia in sectors such as oil and gas, railways, construction of coal, thermal and hydel power generation.

The volume of bilateral trade presently stands at 520 million dollars with the balance heavily tilted in Russia's favour.

''The two countries are committed to establishing a strong relationship based on solid foundations,'' she said and recounted opportunities for Russian participation in various projects in Pakistan.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the G-8, Russia's clout and influence has considerably enhanced in the last few years.

Officials hope the visit will lead to the reactivation of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

A number of agreements to promote cooperation in the Railways, Narcotics control and exchanges in cultural, educational, sports and scientific fields, are expected to be signed during the visit.

UNI