Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for an expedited conclusion of the Transit Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan, aiming to strengthen the economic and cooperative ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. This move is anticipated to broaden trade avenues, enhance regional connectivity, and boost economic activities within the area.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the President shared these remarks during a meeting with Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ambassador extended his congratulations to President Zardari on his re-election, marking the occasion as a stepping stone for further diplomatic and economic engagements between the two nations.
Both parties expressed a mutual interest in the swift completion of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline project. This project is not only expected to support Pakistan’s growing energy needs but also to contribute significantly to the country’s economic stability.
President Zardari highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties that form the foundation of the relationship between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. He advocated for increased high-level exchanges to rejuvenate bilateral relations and expressed a keen interest in bolstering mutually beneficial cooperation.
Reflecting on the trade relations, the President pointed out the necessity to amplify the current trade volume to achieve mutual prosperity. He fondly recollected his visits to Turkmenistan, including his participation in the TAPI Summit in 2010 and the 4th International Nauroze Festival in 2013, as landmarks in the diplomatic journey of the two countries.
The Turkmen Ambassador relayed the warm wishes of Turkmenistan’s leadership, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to President Zardari. He underscored the significance of the Transit Trade Agreement, not just for the bilateral relations but for the regional trade dynamics it is poised to enhance.
President Zardari’s discussions with the Turkmen Ambassador underscore a shared vision for a future marked by strengthened bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity.