Overchuk announced the dispatch of the first freight train from Russia to Pakistan in April.

The first-ever freight train from Russia to Pakistan will depart in April 2025. This was announced on March 27 by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the Boao Asian Forum (BAF) in China.

As part of the BAF, the Deputy Prime Minister held a meeting with Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. During the meeting, the parties discussed various issues of bilateral relations.

"We are waiting for the project to be implemented — the first train should go to Pakistan. There has never been a railway connection between our countries before, but we have agreed and there will be such a trial project," he said.

Also, according to Overchuk, Moscow hopes to further build the railway network towards India.

In addition, Moscow and Islamabad are conducting a dialogue on the development of Pakistan's ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). As Overchuk noted, Iran, which has concluded a free trade agreement with the EAEU, can become an example for the republic in this matter.

"Last fall, when we were in Pakistan, we started this conversation with them, and in principle they are positive and ready to talk," the deputy prime minister added.

In turn, Aurangzeb, in an interview with Izvestia, called the talks with Overchuk very constructive. He noted that Islamabad is looking forward to further progress in relations with Moscow.