Russia has demonstrated to the entire world that it is coping with Western sanctions and that its economy continues to function effectively, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Industry, said in an interview with TASS.
“Russia has proven and shown the world that, despite all these sanctions, things are going well,” he said, responding to a question about whether sanctions have affected bilateral cooperation and oil supplies.
According to Khan, during his two-day stay in Russia, he observed vibrant economic activity. “The airport was packed — I’ve never seen an airport so crowded in my life. That shows there’s lively trade going on, that people have the money to buy tickets. The highways are busy, with rush-hour traffic. All of this indicates the economy is working well despite the sanctions,” he explained.
The Pakistani official also expressed the view that disputes between countries should be resolved through dialogue, so the world can focus on economic development. “Money should be spent to improve the lives of ordinary people. Yes, we’ve seen some very unfortunate events take place. But in the end, people realize the devastation that wars bring. Eventually they sit down at the negotiating table and stop. They don’t cross a certain line, because there is deterrence on both sides,” Khan noted.
He added that once the sides begin negotiations, tensions would subside. “I believe we’re moving toward a peaceful path. That’s what the world and its people need for their prosperity,” he concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on TASS materials