Pakistan, Turkmenistan to work together for trade diversification
Islamabad: Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to collaborate on diversifying trade, expediting the finalization of transit trade agreements, and adopting a more open visa policy to enhance business interactions between the two nations.
This consensus emerged during the third round of bilateral political consultations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan in Islamabad today. Leading the Pakistani delegation was Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while his Turkmen counterpart, Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow, headed the Turkmen delegation.Pakistan to Import Urea from Turkmenistan
In a joint press briefing following the meeting, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar outlined that both sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations across various sectors.
He emphasized that both countries have committed to enhancing joint efforts to deepen cooperation in political, economic, and defense realms. Significant focus was placed on fostering economic ties in priority sectors such as trade, investment, energy, connectivity, and information technology.
Dar extended an invitation to Turkmen companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, highlighting the facilitative role of Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council in welcoming foreign investors across diverse sectors.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Pakistan’s seaports, Dar invited businesses and enterprises from Turkmenistan to leverage Gwadar and Karachi ports for enhanced trade connectivity with the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
The discussions also encompassed updates on joint projects including the TAPI gas pipeline and electricity transmission lines, which Dar noted as offering substantial opportunities for both nations and the wider region.
Regarding cultural and educational exchanges, Dar underscored the decision to bolster parliamentary exchanges, educational scholarships, and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
Additionally, Dar briefed the Turkmen Foreign Minister on the human rights situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Turkmen Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow affirmed that relations with Pakistan remain a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. He expressed determination to advance key projects such as TAPI, power transmission lines, and fiber optic communication, emphasizing their role in strengthening bilateral friendship and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Meredow also highlighted plans for sustained dialogue aimed at establishing international transport routes to maximize transit potential between both countries.
