In a landmark visit underscoring the deep-rooted friendship and shared aspirations of Pakistan and Turkmenistan, the Honorable Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, held comprehensive meetings today with two distinguished leaders: Her Excellency Dunyagozel Akmuhammedovna Gulmanova, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, and His Excellency Mr. Rashid Meredov, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan.
These high-level engagements took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and a firm commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and regional integration. The Chairman was accompanied by Senators Jan Muhammad, Haji Hidayat Ullah, and Waqar Mehdi and Advisor to Chairman on Oil & Gas Mr. Yahya Hussain who participated in the discussions aimed at strengthening the longstanding ties between the two brotherly nations.
During the meeting with Chairperson Dunyagozel Akmuhammedovna Gulmanova, both dignitaries emphasized the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation and fostering closer people-to-people contacts. They reaffirmed the central role of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding, reinforcing bilateral relations, and addressing shared regional priorities. The Honorable Chairman extended a formal invitation to the Chairperson of the Mejlis to undertake an official visit to Pakistan with a parliamentary friendship group, proposing the convening of joint parliamentary meetings and thematic seminars. He further suggested the negotiation and adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize and facilitate parliamentary exchanges. The Chairperson graciously accepted the invitation and welcomed the proposal for a structured MoU.
The Chairman also held a substantive meeting with His Excellency Mr. Rashid Meredov, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan. Expressing sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality. Both dignitaries underscored the critical importance of expanding political, trade, and commercial ties, with a shared emphasis on accelerating bilateral trade for mutual prosperity.
In both meetings, particular focus was placed on advancing key regional connectivity and energy initiatives, including the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAP) power transmission project, and the fiber optic connectivity corridor. The Honorable Chairman highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives for regional integration, economic development, and energy security. He also encouraged Turkmenistan to consider utilizing Pakistan’s strategic seaports of Gwadar and Karachi to further boost regional trade and connectivity.
Foreign Minister Mr. Rashid Meredov welcomed these proposals and underscored the need for implementing practical measures to advance shared strategic objectives. He suggested the import of Pakistani marble for construction projects in Turkmenistan, reflecting the potential to diversify trade and deepen economic collaboration. Additionally, he proposed increasing high-level exchanges and visits to further consolidate the fraternal relations between the two nations.
At the conclusion of these high-level interactions, the Honorable Chairman conveyed his profound gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and the people of Turkmenistan for their gracious hospitality and warm welcome. He expressed confidence that the shared resolve and goodwill demonstrated during these meetings would contribute significantly to elevating the bonds of friendship and regional solidarity between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
