ISLAMABAD, April 12: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said here on Thursday that his country wanted to maintain good friendly relations with both India and Pakistan, and would not abandon one friend for the other.

Speaking at a news conference with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at the Prime Minister’s House, the Russian premier chose not to respond to questions about his country using its influence to get the Kashmir dispute resolved and about the possibility of signing an accord with Pakistan on energy resources. He, however, said that he had discussed the Kashmir issue with his Pakistani counterpart.

Pakistan and Russia have agreed to finalise an investment treaty and an agreement on avoidance of double taxation to expand trade and economic ties.

Both the sides signed an agreement for cooperation in combating human trafficking and smuggling of narcotics, drugs and psychotropic substances. Three memorandums of understanding were also signed to boost cooperation in various sectors, including the laying of new railway tracks, supply of sleepers and signalling system, upgradation of Mughalpura and bridge workshop and setting up metro railways in major cities of Pakistan.

Under another MoU, the two countries will promote cultural, educational and scientific exchanges.

Both the prime ministers expressed resolve to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in various fields, especially trade and economy.

In reply to a question, Mr Fradkov said Russia wanted Iran to use its nuclear programme for peaceful purposes under the IAEA. He said Pakistan and Russia had common approach on the use of nuclear non-proliferation.

The Russian prime minister said both the sides had agreed to broaden cooperation in areas of science, technology and culture. He said that he had urged Prime Minister Aziz to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism.

Mr Fradkov stressed the need for reactivating the inter-governmental commission to further cement bilateral ties.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the volume of trade between the two countries and emphasised the need for exerting more efforts to give it a boost.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan would welcome Russian participation in the India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project through investment in laying the pipeline.