The delegation of our country was received by President of Pakistan Arif Alvi in Islamabad on March 12. High level of interstate cooperation has been noted in political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres during the meeting. The Head of Pakistan highlighted the importance of the policy of neutrality steadily pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In this context, close collaboration of Turkmenistan and Pakistan under international organizations, especially under the UN, has been mentioned.
Special attention has been paid to the development of economic partnership and to implementation of such important projects as construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas line, Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan power and fibre optic lines as well as to putting of the efforts for creation of new transport corridors. At the same time, capabilities for activation of connections in science, education and culture have been highlighted.
The sides have exchanged the opinions on the future of Turkmen – Pakistani cooperation during the meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan. Energy, transport and communication, industrial sector have been named among the main directions of trade and economic relations.
Bilateral foreign ministry consultations took place in Islamabad. It was mentioned that Pakistan would continue actively participating in promotion of creative initiatives of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The delegation of Turkmenistan also has number of other meetings during the visit.
Five documents have been signed by the outcomes of the working visit. These are the Protocol on Amendments of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Cooperation between Foreign Ministries of two countries, the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 2019 – 2024, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Academy of Diplomatic Service of the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Trade and Industrial Chamber of Turkmenistan and the Federation of Trade and Industrial Chambers of Pakistan on Establishment of Joint Turkmen – Pakistani Business Council, the General Terms of the Agreement with the Government of receiving state between the Government of Pakistan and TAPI Pipeline Company Limited Joint Stock Company.
Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that recently, Turkmen – Pakistani relations have received new content, which was provided by the desire of the sides to improve beneficial cooperation meeting the interests of both countries and the sustainable development goals in regional and global scales. Trustful and friendly character of interstate dialog allows not only implementing the plans but also actively elaborating on new directions of the partnership in different spheres.
Speaking of the presence of wide opportunities for efficient implementation of significant potential of cooperation in all spectrum, the President noted that important role is given to the Intergovernmental Turkmen – Pakistani Commission, continuing the subject, the Head of the State highlighted that large-scale joint project of construction of the TAPI gas line is a visual example of the cooperation.
Building of power and fibre optic lines along Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan route is also very important. In addition to its direct purpose, these major infrastructural projects as well as consolidation of the efforts for establishment of transit and transport corridors are to support the activation of interregional integrational processes.
At the same time, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that similarity or proximity of the positions of both countries in current issues, especially those related to the provision of peace, security and wealth, are reliable foundation for cooperation in the world arena.
All of these provides steadfast dynamic of development of long-term Turkmen – Pakistani partnership, which is built on the principles of equality and respect and aimed at the achievement of practical results, the Head of the State said, having given specific assignments to the Vice-premier on the implementation of the agreements, which were reflected in the documents signed between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at different levels including by the outcomes of the working trip to Islamabad.
