On March 12, 2019, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The Turkmen delegation was received by President of Pakistan Mr. Arif Alvi. During the meeting, a high level of cooperation between the two states in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian spheres was noted. The President of Pakistan emphasized the importance of a neutral foreign policy pursued by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In this context, the Parties noted the close cooperation of Turkmenistan and Pakistan within the framework of international organizations, primarily in the United Nations.
Special attention was paid to expanding the Turkmen-Pakistan economic partnership. The implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline (TAPI) construction projects, power lines and fiber-optic communications along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route, the creation of new transport corridors is a clear indication of the effective joint activities of the two countries aimed at strengthening regional and international economic relationship.
The parties also noted the need for further development of bilateral relations in the field of science and education.
During the meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan, a thorough exchange of views took place on the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation.
The gas and transport and communication sectors were mentioned as priority areas for trade and economic partnership. At the same time, the Head of the Government of Pakistan expressed strong support for the TAPI project, the construction of the TAP transmission line, and the creation of a new transport and transit corridor from the seaports of Pakistan to the international seaport of Turkmenbashi.
The parties agreed that scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian ties are a traditional area of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, and noted the need for their further expansion.
On the same day, consultations were held between the foreign ministries of the two countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Makhdum Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for supporting Pakistan’s candidacy in elections to reputable international organizations. At the same time, the Pakistani Minister assured that Pakistan will continue to actively participate in the promotion of initiatives and proposals put forward by Turkmenistan in the international arena. The sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues related to the further strengthening of multi-faceted Turkmen-Pakistani relations.
On the same day, the Turkmen delegation met with the Minister of Energy Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, the Minister of Oil Mr. Ghulam Sarvar Khan and the Minister of Finance of Pakistan Mr. Asad Umar. The delegation also held meetings with the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Tariq Bajwa, and the Chairman of the Investment Council of Pakistan, Mr. Harun Sharif.
Following the visit, the following documents were signed:
Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
The program of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for 2019-2024;
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Pakistan on the establishment of the Turkmen-Pakistan Joint Business Council;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Academy of Diplomatic Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
The main conditions of the Agreement with the Government of the host country of the project of construction of the gas pipeline "Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India".