Russia’s request to use Gwadar Port approved

Sharif welcomes interest in CPEC as move signals improving relations

Pakistan has approved Russia’s request to use the strategic Gwadar Port for its exports, signalling a new alignment in bilateral relations after decades’ of sour ties during the Cold War era.

Following Iran and Turkmenistan, Russia has also decided to use the Gwadar Port for trade to have an access to warm waters, a top Pakistani official privy to the development was quoted as saying by Geo News.

“Russia also wants to join the $46 billion [Dh168.8 billion] China Pakistan Economic Corridor to reap the maximum dividends. In addition, Russia aspires to develop strategic defence ties with Pakistan,” the daily said.

Pakistan decided to broaden its foreign policy options after its relations with the US deteriorated following secret CIA raid in Abbottabad that killed Al Qaida chief Osama Bin Laden in May 2011. Its relations with the US were soured recently when US lawmakers blocked funds for the sale of eight Lockheed Martin Corporation’s F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is on a two-day visit to Turkmenistan, said that he welcomed the Russia’s interest in becoming part of the China — Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and maintained that Pakistan would welcome participation of any country in the project. He told journalists that many countries wanted to join CPEC as half of the world would benefit from the project.

China and Pakistan are building the nearly 3,000-km-long economic corridor linking Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea.