President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoy close and cordial fraternal relations rooted in a common faith, culture and history. He added that it is further strengthened by our shared goals of peace, prosperity and progress of our two countries and the region as a whole. He further said that both countries enjoy close cooperation on bilateral and multilateral fora including OIC, UN and ECO. The President said this while talking to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Mr. Rashid Meredov Ovezgeldiyevich, who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday. The President emphasized that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, desirous of having good relations with all its neighbors. He underscored that Pakistan is ready to enter into dialogue with India on all matters of mutual interest and work towards de-escalation of tensions in South Asia. He further stated that Pakistan would like all friendly countries to urge India to work with Pakistan for amicable resolution of Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UNSC resolutions. The President and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan agreed on the early implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline project. The President added that Pakistan is planning to hold the ground-breaking ceremony of TAPI Gas Pipeline Project on its soil on a mutually agreed date. He also welcomed Turkmenistan’s offer for export of 1000 MW of electricity to Pakistan and signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The President pointed out that existing trade volume is not commensurate with the potential and cordial ties between our two countries. He underlined that there is a need to further enhance bilateral trade and economic relations. He highlighted that joint ventures in various sectors like agriculture, construction, petrochemicals and information technology need to be explored. The President said that Pakistan is desirous of enhanced regional connectivity for the progress and uplift of its people and the entire region. Pakistan can offer Turkmenistan the shortest route to the open sea through Gwadar seaport and our national road and railways networks, he added. He also emphasized the need for early finalization of the MoU between Gawadar and Turkmenbashi on Sister Port Relationship. *-*-*
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