PM pushes Turkmenistan to fast track implementation of TAPI

[Edevelop]

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday pressed Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to fast track the implementation of regional energy connectivity projects including Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (Tapi) gas pipeline project, Radio Pakistan reported.

Emphasising on the early implementation of TAPI, Nawaz said that the project will prove to be a game changer and would help realise greater regional integration.

Addressing a joint news conference with the Turkmen President in Ashgabat on Wednesday, Nawaz expressed Pakistan’s desire to boost ties with Turkmenistan in all sectors and revealed that both countries have agreed to boost bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s top priority is growth and development therefore the country wants peaceful relations with all its neighbours.

The two leaders also exchanged views on reforms of UN Security Council in order to consider the interests of smaller states.

Earlier, during a one-on-one interaction with Nawaz, Berdimuhamedov said the two countries shared identical views on regional peace and stability, adding that Pakistan and Turkmenistan can enhance cooperation in agriculture, communication, telecommunication and other sectors.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov leading their respective delegations during talks at Presidential Palace in Ashgabat. PHOTO: PID

He also emphasised on the need for people to people contacts between the two countries.

PM to visit Kyrgyzstan

Prime Minister Nawaz is expected to visit Kyrgyzstan on Thursday to hold talks with the Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev.

During the visit, the two countries will also sign a number of agreements and MoUs for cooperation in diverse fields.

Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Minister of State Jam Kamal, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Political Secretary to the PM Asif Karmani are accompanying the premier.

In his pre-departure statement, Nawaz said Pakistan attaches great importance to enhancing its relations with Central Asian Republics, adding that his government has a vision of increasing energy, trade and rail and road links with Central Asian States.