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Russia, Pakistan work to launch direct flights — ambassador

The newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamal, also said that people-to-people contacts between the two countries are very important

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Russia and Pakistan are working to launch direct air service between the two nations, Pakistan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Russia Muhammad Khalid Jamali has told TASS in an interview.

"Both sides are in touch with each other and are working out on the modalities for direct flights," he said. "People to people contacts between the two countries are very important."

"Direct flights between Russia and Pakistan can play an important role in bringing people together as well as provide opportunities in improving the trade relations, but I am afraid it may not be possible to have such by the end of this year," the Pakistani envoy added.

The ambassador added that resumption of direct air service is an economic matter and air carriers need to understand first whether this particular air route is profitable or not. He said that although not many Russian tourists are visiting his country, their number is growing steadily, because "no doubt Pakistan is safe in all aspects."

"Pakistan is blessed with natural scenerity and beauty. We have four seasons and Gandhara civilization and home to Buddhism, Hinduism and holy places of Sikh religion’" the diplomat said. "We boast of having largest peaks, deserts, beautiful coasts, beaches and opportunities for religious tourism." "Pakistan is a safe country and successive governments have been trying their best to promote tourism in Pakistan and there are a lot of tourism opportunities for Russian tourists in Pakistan. I think we need to reach out to interested Russian tourists more vigorously so that they can avail excellent touristic opportunities available in Pakistan," he added.

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