India, Pakistan should resolve issues through peaceful means: Russia

ISLAMABAD: Russia wants India and Pakistan to resolve all their differences, including the Kashmir issue, through peaceful means, the Russian envoy said here today.

Replying to a question, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Y Dedov said his country wants Pakistan and India to resolve all differences, including the Kashmir issue, through peaceful means.

He said Pakistan and Russia are also closely cooperating in efforts for restoration of peace in Afghanistan, Radio Pakistan reported.

Talking about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, Dedov said Russia strongly supportsthe project as it is crucial for Pakistan's economy and regional connectivity.

He pointed out that CPEC is component of China's Silk Road and his country was also working on a similar Eurasian Economic Union and China and Russia are holding discussions to merge the two projects.

Asked about North-South gas pipeline project of Pakistan, the Russian Ambassador said they are eager to realise the project at the soonest.

The Ambassador said the two countries are closely cooperating in different areas but there is need to enhance the volume of bilateral trade.

Russia and Pakistan rebuilding their ties after decades of mistrust during the Cold War and have recently given gestures in deepening ties.