New Delhi: Russia on Tuesday debunked Pakistani media reports that it was interested in participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that it was engaged in secret talks with Islamabad on the issue.
The Russian Embassy in New Delhi made it clear that the issue of Russia joining the CPEC had not been discussed at all with Islamabad. The Russian statement indicates that it does not want such media reports to spoil its ties with New Delhi, which is opposed to the CPEC since it passes through PoK. In a statement, the Russian Embassy said, “Reports appearing in Pakistan’s media about some ‘secret talks’ between Russia and Pakistan on the creation of China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) do not correspond to the realities. The possibility of Russia’s 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 bilateral basis.”
