Russia denies secret talks with Pakistan on CPEC

Russia on Tuesday denied holding any "secret talks" with Pakistan on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"The possibility of Russia joining this initiative is not being discussed with Islamabad," Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an statement.

Rubbishing the Pakistani media reports, the statement said: "Secret talks between Russia and Pakistan on the CPEC do not correspond to the realities."

Pakistani media on Saturday reported that Islamabad has decided to accord approval to a request by Moscow for using the Gwadar Port for its exports.

It said that Russia had shown its willingness to be part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Speaking on the trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry statement said: "Our trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan has its own value. We aim for its further strengthening."

Russian companies are implementing business projects in Pakistan, including the construction of North-South gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, on bilateral basis, the statement said.

Russia will invest $2 billion in the project signed last year and the first phase of the pipeline is expected to be completed by December next year.

--IANS

rs/py/vt