Pakistan, Turkmenistan reaffirm commitment to TAPI project

April 29, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Turkmenistan have reiterated their strong commitment to the timely completion of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.

This mutual understanding was conveyed during a meeting between Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat on Monday.

Both parties recognized TAPI as a transformative initiative with the potential to bring significant benefits to all participating countries, according to the press release.

The discussions highlighted that Pakistani ports, particularly Gwadar, could serve as a strategic outlet for Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon exports, paving the way for expanded economic cooperation between the two nations.

On economic relations, Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need to boost bilateral trade to four billion dollars.

President Berdimuhamedov responded positively, noting that there is substantial potential for multifold growth in trade, considering the wide range of available opportunities between the two brotherly countries.

Pakistan proposed the export of high-quality surgical instruments, pharmaceutical goods, and premium white marble for use in Turkmenistan’s construction sector.

In response, President Berdimuhamedov expressed a strong interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s experience in cybersecurity and water resource management.

The two sides agreed to expedite the finalization of a Transit Trade Agreement aimed at facilitating regional and bilateral trade.

They also discussed the revival of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Turkmenistan to enhance business ties and people-to-people contact.

Turkmenistan extended an invitation for Pakistan’s leadership to join the upcoming celebrations of the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Policy of Permanent Neutrality.

Additionally, in a key development, Turkmenistan offered to support Pakistan in establishing a logistics hub at Serhetabat to bolster regional trade integration.

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual resolve to further strengthen the historic fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, while expanding cooperation in economic development, energy, and strategic connectivity.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal also extended a formal invitation to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to visit Pakistan, which the President graciously accepted.

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