Pakistan invites Russia for India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project
17-10-05 The multi-billion dollar Iran-India gas pipeline via Pakistan gives a smile to Russian gas pipeline experts and technologists. Pakistan has invited Russia to join the project, amidst reports that Russian natural gas major Gazprom has shown interest.
Pakistan wants Russia to be a partner in the gas pipeline that joins Iran, Pakistan and India, Pakistan Ambassador to Moscow, Mustafa Kamal Qazi, was quoted as saying.
Russia's participation would help to boost Indo-Pak ties besides construction of gas pipeline and enhancing bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, Qazi said.
Russia's state-owned Gazprom, the largest natural gas extractor in the world, which has shown interest in the 2,700 km long pipeline estimated to cost around $ 7.4 bn.
The Russian firms officials would soon visit Pakistan to discuss cooperation in the energy sector, Qazi said. He however did not elaborate on how Pakistan wants Russia to be associated with the project.
The invitation to Russia byPakistan to join the project adds a new dimension as Russia, a close ally of India, is also closely associated with Iran.
Source: Onlypunjab.com
