ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday agreed to expedite work on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project which will lower energy costs, and can boost industrial growth, create jobs, and foster economic development.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov in Islamabad on Wednesday, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan.
The Turkmenistan minister was accompanied by a Turkmen delegation including Ata Haljanov, head of the International economic cooperation division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Eziz Nazarov, head of legal department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Muhammetmyrat Amanov, Chairman of the Board and CEO, TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd, Atadjan Movlamov Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Eldar Permanov and third secretary of the Embassy of Turkmenistan.
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Dr Musadik Malik welcomed the Turkmen delegation and expressed his gratitude for the hospitality offered by the Turkmen side during his last visit to Turkmenistan. The visit of the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations, remarked Dr Musadik Malik.
Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister said the TAPI gas pipeline project will lower energy costs, which can boost industrial growth, create jobs, and foster economic development. He said reliable and affordable energy supplies are vital for industrial sectors and overall economic stability.
Dr Musadik Malik said this project, aimed at fostering economic integration and energy security, has witnessed substantial progress through collaborative efforts and resolved continuous engagement among both countries. He further added that Pakistan is fully committed to this project which is significant for regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development.
Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov expressed his profound appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Pakistani side. He said together we will chalk out a roadmap for cooperation between both countries. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited mentioned that with the special interest of the Petroleum Minister and Special Investment Facilitation Council TAPI has seen significant progress and is on the right track.
Speaking on the developments, officials from both Pakistan and Turkmenistan emphasized the project’s strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic growth, and meeting the energy demands of participating nations. They underscored their commitment to continued cooperation and mutual support to overcome any remaining challenges.
