Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to work together for trade diversification, early finalization of transit trade agreement and a liberal visa policy to facilitate greater contacts between businessmen of the two countries.
The understanding came at the third round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan’s Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad today. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led the Pakistani delegation while the Turkmenistan side was led by its Foreign Minister Rashid Meredow.
Later sharing details of the meeting at a joint press stake-out, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the two sides undertook a comprehensive view of bilateral relations in all dimensions.
He said the two countries have agreed to intensify joint efforts to further expand and deepen bilateral cooperation including in political, economic and defense domain. We especially deliberated upon ways and means to develop close economic engagement in the priority areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity and Information Technology.
Ishaq Dar invited the Turkmenistan’s companies to benefit from investment opportunities in Pakistan. He pointed out that the Special Investment Facilitation Council is facilitating foreign investors to invest in different sectors.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan’s seaports offer the business communities of both the countries to explore win-win opportunities. We welcome businesses and enterprises in Turkmenistan to avail Gwadar and Karachi seaports for trade connectivity with Middle East, Africa and beyond.
The two sides also reviewed progress on TAPI gas pipeline as well as electricity transmission lines projects.
Ishaq Dar said these projects offer enormous opportunities for the two countries and the region.
The Foreign Minister said we have decided to promote bilateral parliamentary and cultural exchanges, educational scholarships and people to people contacts.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredow, in his remarks, said relations with Pakistan are one of the priority areas of our foreign policy.
Rashid Meredow said we have expressed the unwavering resolve to implement projects such as TAPI, power transmission lines and Fiber Optic communication, saying these will not only strengthen our bond of friendship but also exemplify the mutually beneficial partnership.
Rashid Meredow said we have decided to maintain active dialogue on creating international transport routes to capitalize on the transit potential of both the countries.