OREANDA-NEWS. May 04, 2011. Brian Simpson, the chairman of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament visited Moscow at the invitation of Russian Railways President Vladimir Yakunin, reported the press-centre of RZD.

During his visit, Simpson also met the chairman of the State Duma’s Transport Committee and other Russian parliamentarians.

One of the aims of the visit was to assess the scale of reforms in Russia’s rail industry in recent years.

But as Vladimir Yakunin said: "Besides purely rail questions and related equipment and technology issues, we also discussed a fairly wide range of topics. We share the view that today, rail really can ‘build bridges’ in relations between Russia and the European Union."

"With regard to the development of cooperation on rail transport, there are still has issues that have to be resolved," said Simpson.

Speaking about the implementation of the project to extend a broad gauge 1520mm line to Bratislava and Vienna, for example, Simpson noted that the countries involved had still to identify the possible cargo base, the expected volumes and how the project would be financed.

Overall, however, implementing such infrastructure projects will realise Russia’s potential as a natural land bridge connecting the ports of the Pacific with the heart of Europe.

"The delivery of goods by rail, for example, will save up to two weeks compared to the sea route from Shanghai to Rotterdam," said Simpson.