RAWALPINDI: The Soviet Union has offered new loans to Pakistan for setting up various industrial projects, Mr I.K. Mineyev, the leader of the Soviet economic delegation visiting Pakistan recently said. In an interview … Mr Mineyev said that the Soviet Union would also co-operate with Pakistan in the exploration of oil and gas, and in setting up power houses and radio stations.

According to Moscow Radio … the Soviet delegation during its 10-day visit, held meetings with the officials of various Ministries and National Corporations in Pakistan, and discussed the possibility of improving mutual co-operation. … As a result of these talks, Mr Mineyev said, the two countries signed an agreement under which the Soviet Government would implement agreements signed in the past on the setting up of various industrial projects in Pakistan. The new agreement, he said, exempted Pakistan from repaying the Soviet loans utilised in East Pakistan. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Islamabad,] the Government of Pakistan today [March 21] extended its exclusive fishery zone in areas of the high seas up to 50 miles (nautical) from the coastline.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2023