On the invitation from the President of Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived in Mary, Turkmenistan today to participate in the link-up ceremonies of TAPI Pipeline and associated projects. Upon arrival in Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister had a tete-e-tete meeting with the President of Turkmenistan Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamadov at Ruhiyet Palace, Mary. Both the leaders highlighted the importance of TAPI pipeline project as an energy, trade and transit corridor and held fruitful discussions on subjects of mutual concern, including issues of regional security. Warmly welcoming the Prime Minister and members of the delegation, the President thanked the Prime Minister for joining the inauguration ceremony of TAPI and link-up projects going to be held tomorrow. The President stated that Turkmenistan values its special relations with Pakistan and highly appreciates the support given by Pakistan. He mentioned that Turkmenistan-Pakistan relations are based on two pillars namely Energy Security of which TAPI is a flagship project, and connectivity to include rail, road, IT and fiber optic. Elaborating on connectivity, he expressed keen interest in Gawadar Port project. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamadov expressed hope that Pakistan will benefit from the supply of gas especially for industry once TAPI reaches Pakistan. He also expressed hope for strengthening of cooperation in education, science, Healthcare and sports between the two countries. The President also stressed on promotion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi thanked the President for the warmth and hospitality. The Prime Minister stated that tomorrow is a historic day when another pipeline is going to be inaugurated. He termed the materialization of TAPI as success of the vision and commitment of President Berdimuhamadov and appreciated the personal commitment of the President in realization of the project. The Prime Minister stated that TAPI is an important project for Pakistan due to its growing energy needs. Referring to prospective purchase of electricity from Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister said it will add a new dimension to the bilateral relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister appreciated President's vision of TAPI as a trade and transit corridor for gas, electricity transmission and fiber optic, connecting the region. He observed that the Port of Gawadar will provide the most efficient access for the sea to Turkmenistan. The Prime Minister apprised the President of the successful expansion in road network across the length and breadth of Pakistan including six lane motorways that will connect to Western China and the regional countries. We see Pakistan as the hub of connectivity in the region, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister stated that CPEC is the most visible part of the Belt and Road Initiative and stressed on enhancement in bilateral cooperation between the two countries while exploring new avenues for trade, particularly in livestock, IT and agriculture. Pakistan-Turkmenistan Joint Governmental Commission (JGC) is an ideal forum to explore the trade and investment potential between the two countries, the Prime Minister said. He emphasized on the need for greater military and defence cooperation between the two countries and offered to assist Turkmenistan in meeting its defence needs. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's full support to Turkmenistan's policy of Permanent Neutrality and President Berdimuhamadov's initiatives at the UN. The delegation of the Prime Minister included Minister of State for Petroleum Jam Kamal Khan, Provincial Minister for Labour and HR Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan Mr. Murad Ashraf Janjua and other senior government officials. *****
PREVIOUS NEXT
