ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to complete the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project within the agreed timeframe.
This commitment was expressed during a meeting between Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Ashgabat on Monday, Radio Pakistan reported.
The two sides termed the project as a transformative initiative beneficial to all participating countries.
It was emphasised that Pakistani ports, particularly Gwadar, could provide a strategic outlet for Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon exports, thus opening new avenues of economic cooperation.
On the economic front, Ahsan Iqbal underscored the significance of enhancing bilateral trade to $ 4 billion.
President Berdimuhamedov responded positively, noting the vast potential for multifold growth in mutual trade, given the existing opportunities between the two brotherly nations.
Pakistan offered to export high-quality surgical instruments, pharmaceutical products, and premium white marble for use in Turkmenistan’s construction sector.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed a strong interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s expertise in cybersecurity and water resource management.
Both countries agreed to accelerate the completion of the Transit Trade Agreement to boost bilateral and regional trade. They also discussed the resumption of direct air connectivity to enhance business ties and people-to-people exchanges.
Turkmenistan extended an invitation for Pakistan’s leadership to attend the celebrations commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Policy of Permanent Neutrality.
In a significant development, Turkmenistan also offered to facilitate Pakistan in establishing a logistics hub at Serhetabat to support regional trade integration.
The meeting reaffirmed the resolve of both nations to further strengthen the historic fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan and to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, and strategic connectivity.
The Planning Minister also extended a formal invitation to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to visit Pakistan, which the President accepted.
