Putin affirms importance of int'l transport corridors for Russia

MOSCOW. Dec 13 (Interfax) - The transport infrastructure elements unveiled on Tuesday as part of the West-East and North-South corridors will promote the development of future international routes across Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We need them to create convenient transport routes and effective logistics and to unlock the potential of adjacent territories. Today we take yet another step towards the accomplishment of this important mission," Putin said at a ceremony, which unveiled transport infrastructure elements, by video link.

"Three new sections of Route M-12 between Moscow, Kazan and Yekaterinburg will be commissioned as part of the West-East corridor, including two in the Sverdlovsk region and one in the Vladimir region," Putin said.

He said he had ordered that a public vote be arranged to name the route and the entire West-East corridor connecting St. Petersburg to Vladivostok.

"Transport infrastructure elements are also commissioned today within the framework of the North-South corridor. This includes a junction near Mytishchi in the Moscow region, and a renovated part of Route M-4 Don in the Rostov region," he said.

Now, it will be a high-speed road connecting Moscow to the Rostov region, Putin said.