The Russian Ministry of Transport is holding negotiations on launching direct flights to Brazil, Malaysia and Pakistan, Minister Roman Starovoyt said in an interview with TASS.

"We are considering Malaysia and Brazil. Pakistan has also contacted us recently with a similar request. We are also analyzing the situation there, engage in a constant dialogue. Of course, we are interested in having tourism business representatives also taking part in these negotiations," he said.

He noted that Russia is holding negotiations with many airlines from friendly countries.

"Our route network is changing constantly. We are ready to work based on the principle of parity, mutual respect and compliance of all international rules," the minister said.

According to Starovoyt, in order to launch air service with any country, it is necessary to discuss the perspectives of passenger traffic with the airlines first.

"I think that, in order to properly develop a route, it is necessary to begin with charter flights, so that the passengers could understand how the tourist infrastructure works, if trips could be planned, how security is ensured. If there is a passenger traffic, then there is an option to redirect certain aircraft to these destinations," he added.