Pakistan, Russia To Expand Connectivity For Access To Warm Waters: Report
Pakistan and Russia have agreed to collaborate on establishing a robust rail and road network to link the South Asian country with Central Asia and Russia, providing landlocked states direct access to warm waters, a media report said on Friday.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Andrey Sergeyevich Nikitin, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial conference in Tianjin, China, agreed to accelerate infrastructure development across the region to facilitate trade and economic integration.
The initiative aims to transform Pakistan into a strategic transit hub by enhancing trade corridors and logistical routes extending to Russia and Central Asia, Geo News reported.
Highlighting Pakistan's ongoing modernisation efforts, Khan said the country was digitising its transport infrastructure, introducing barrier-free motorways, mandatory e-tagging, and comprehensive CCTV surveillance.
He said the reforms were part of Pakistan's broader goal to optimise regional connectivity and cross-border trade.
Deputy Minister Nikitin acknowledged the potential of Pakistan-Russia cooperation in transforming regional trade dynamics and reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to pursuing joint transport and infrastructure projects with Islamabad.
Pakistan and Afghanistan last month agreed to advance the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) rail project, a key step toward regional connectivity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a telephonic conversation, agreed to work closely for an early finalisation of the framework agreement.
The railway project to link Pakistan with Central Asia through Afghanistan is vital in improving interconnectivity in the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
29 minutes ago
- India.com
Brazils Grand Welcome For PM Modi With Patriotic Dance Tribute On Operation Sindoor Theme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday for a four-day official visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Upon his arrival, the Indian diaspora warmly welcomed him with a cultural dance performance themed 'Operation Sindoor,' paying tribute to the valour of the Indian Armed Forces. The dance, themed on Operation Sindoor, was performed to the patriotic song 'Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki', as PM Modi stood watching, visibly moved by the tribute. Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The precision strike was carried out to avenge the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. #WATCH | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | People of the Indian diaspora perform a special cultural dance based on the theme of Operation Sindoor as they welcome PM Modi (Source: ANI/DD News) — ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 A Brazilian music group also performed devotional music, showcasing India's rich cultural and spiritual values. PM Modi also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora as he received a grand welcome from the people of the Indian Community. BRICS Summit During the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit, which is scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7, Prime Minister Modi will exchange views on key global issues. It could include discussions on international peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. ANI reported, citing an official statement, that PM Modi is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2025. PM Modi In Brazil The Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages. Earlier, Members of the Indian Diaspora, who were waiting to meet PM Modi, expressed their enthusiasm over his visit, calling it a privilege to welcome the PM. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Solanki, a member of the Indian diaspora, said, "I am from Gujarat... I have been living in Brazil for a long time. We are very excited and feel privileged and honoured to welcome our Prime Minister today." Pooja, another member of the Indian diaspora, expressed enthusiasm and said, "I am from Gujarat, and I have been living in Brazil for the last three years. I am very excited to meet him." PM Modi's Foreign Visit Prime Minister Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his visit to Argentina, where he held a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. After Brazil, he will head to Namibia on July 9. PM Modi began his five-nation, eight-day tour on Wednesday from Ghana. From there, the Prime Minister went to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and then to Argentina.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
30 minutes ago
- First Post
BRICS powers align on bold joint statement for Rio summit in show of unity, consensus
This cohesion within BRICS stands in stark contrast to the recent G7 summit in Canada, where Western unity on supporting Ukraine against Russia seemingly collapsed read more FILE - From left, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira attend the Outreach/BRICS Plus format session at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. (Maxim Shemetov, Pool Photo via AP, File) Diplomats from the BRICS countries have reportedly agreed to a common declaration to be tabled at the Rio de Janeiro leaders' summit in a sign of unity and consensus among the diverse group. News agency Reuters reported that the breakthrough came after a similar attempt fell flat in April during the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers. The agreement on a common declaration is a major step, especially as world powers get divided on various global issues and the group becomes more diverse with new members coming in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For instance, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates last year joined the five initial members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. To bridge internal divides, BRICS members reportedly agreed to back Brazil and India for permanent seats on a reformed UN Security Council. However, the question of Africa's representation remains unresolved, with no member endorsed to champion the continent's interests. Sources also indicate that BRICS is poised to take a firmer stance on issues of West Asia, moving beyond vague expressions of concern to more precise language in its final communique. On the economic front, the group is expected to continue criticising protectionist trade policies, particularly the US tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump. In April, BRICS ministers condemned 'unjustified unilateral protectionist actions,' a sentiment likely to be reiterated at this week's summit. Stark contrast with G7 This cohesion within BRICS stands in stark contrast to the recent G7 summit in Canada, where Western unity on supporting Ukraine against Russia seemingly collapsed. The G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, ended on June 17 without a joint statement condemning Russia's war against Ukraine, now over three years old. Efforts to push for peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin have stalled, despite unprecedented sanctions. Notably, Trump, who took office earlier this year, refused to sign a declaration with strong language against Russia's invasion and has neither imposed new sanctions nor committed more than $50 million in additional weapons aid to Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
BRICS nations voice 'serious concern' over Trump Tariffs as China skips the Summit in Brazil
Emerging nations, which represent about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output, have united over 'serious concerns' about US import tariffs read more A photo ceremony before a plenary session of the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia. File Image /Reuters BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday are expected to decry US President Donald Trump's 'indiscriminate' trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Emerging nations, which represent about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output, have united over 'serious concerns' about US import tariffs, according to a draft summit statement obtained by AFP on Saturday. Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His latest salvo comes in the form of letters informing trading partners of new tariff rates that will soon enter into force. The draft summit declaration does not mention the United States or its president by name, and could yet be amended by leaders gathering for talks Sunday and Monday. But it is a clear political shot directed at Washington from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. 'We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules,' the draft text says. It warns that such measures 'threaten to further reduce global trade' and are 'affecting the prospects for global economic development.' Xi no show Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But the summit's political punch will be depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. That absence has prompted fevered speculation in some quarters. 'The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing,' said Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hass said Putin's non-attendance and the fact that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a guest of honor in Brazil could also be factors in Xi's absence. 'Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi,' who will receive a state lunch, he said. 'I expect Xi's decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors.' Still, the Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G20 summit, a BRICS summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections next year, in which he is expected to run. Lula warmly welcomed leaders and dignitaries on Saturday, including China's Premier Li Qiang, as the leftist president hosted a pre-summit business forum in Rio. 'Faced with the resurgence of protectionism, it is up to emerging countries to defend the multilateral trade regime and reform the international financial architecture,' Lula told the event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel, is also skipping the meeting and will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A source familiar with the negotiations said Iran had sought a tougher condemnation of Israel and the United States over their recent bombing of Iranian military, nuclear and other sites. But one diplomatic source said the text would give the 'same message' that BRICS delivered last month. Then Iran's allies expressed 'grave concern' about strikes against Iran, but did not explicitly mention Israel or the United States. Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia.
