ISLAMABAD, Aug 31: The resumption of PIA flights to Moscow will usher in a new era of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, especially in the fields of trade, culture and tourism.

This was stated by Pakistan's ambassador to Russia Syed Iftikhar Murshed at a promotional seminar held at a local hotel to mark the landing of PIA's flight in Moscow, said a message received here on Tuesday.

The ambassador said Pakistan offered excellent investment opportunities, beautiful valleys, high altitude peaks and mountains, ancient civilization, deserts and beaches for Russian businessmen and tourists.

He said the PIA flights to Moscow would also help increase the volume of trade turnover between the two countries and flow of two-way tourism. Speaking on the occasion, PIA deputy managing director Kaleem Malik gave a detailed account of the airline's overseas services.

He said the airline operated the biggest fleet of the region, and had recently started operations to Almaty, Tashkent, Chicago, Milan and now to Moscow. He said the PIA would also operate flights to Los Angeles and Shanghai in near future.

The PIA, he added, had established reputation as a reliable and comfortable airline, and it would continue to improve its services. Mr Malik said PIA flights to Moscow would facilitate relations between Pakistan and Russia and bring the people of the two countries closer.

Country Manager of PIA Zaheer Hayat presented a detailed account of the airline's services, with focus on the new twice-a-week flights to Moscow via Dubai.

The presentation also highlighted the investment, trade, culture and tourism potential of Pakistan. The seminar was attended by over 200 Russian businessmen, tour operators and mediapersons. - APP