Russia, Pakistan to launch direct freight rail service in April - Russian deputy PM

BOAO. March 27 (Interfax) - Direct freight rail service between Russia and Pakistan will be launched in April 2025, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said after meeting with Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

"The Pakistani finance minister and I have discussed our bilateral agenda, including energy cooperation. We are looking forward to the project, the first train to travel from Russia to Pakistan. Our countries have never had bilateral rail service before, but we have reached the agreement and will start the trial run," Overchuk said, commenting on his meeting with Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia.

As to when the first train will depart, Overchuk said, "That will happen in April." The train would be carrying containers but declined to specify the initial amount of freight, he said.

"Of course, we are interested in extending rail service and connecting to India. This is another issue we are talking about," Overchuk said.

Pakistan is interested in cooperating with the Eurasian Economic Union, including in the free trade area format, he said. "We started discussing the issue last fall, when we visited Pakistan, and they generally have a positive attitude and are ready for talks," Overchuk said.

The conclusion of a free trade area agreement between the EAEU and Iran, he said, adding that the agreement was due to take effect on May 15.