March 12, 2019: President Dr. Arif Alvi on Tuesday said that Pakistan was desirous of enhanced regional connectivity for the progress and uplift of its people and the entire region.

The President said this while talking to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov Ovezgeldiyevich, who called on him at his office.

The President said that Pakistan could offer Turkmenistan the shortest route to the open sea through Gwadar seaport and its national road and railways networks. He said that Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoyed close and cordial fraternal relations, rooted in a common faith, culture and history.

He said that both countries enjoy close cooperation on bilateral and multilateral fora including OIC, UN and ECO.

The President emphasized that Pakistan was a peace-loving country, desirous of having good relations with all its neighbors.

He underscored that Pakistan was ready to enter into dialogue with India on all matters of mutual interest and work towards de-escalation of tensions in South Asia.

He further stated that Pakistan would like all friendly countries to urge India to work with Pakistan for the amicable resolution of Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UNSC Resolutions. 

The President and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan agreed on the early implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline project. He said that Pakistan was planning to hold the ground-breaking ceremony of TAPI Gas Pipeline Project on its soil on a mutually agreed date.

He also welcomed Turkmenistan’s offer for export of 1000 MW of electricity to Pakistan and signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

The President pointed out that existing trade volume was not in commensurate with the potential and cordial ties between the two countries. He underlined that there was a need to further enhance bilateral trade and economic relations.

He highlighted that joint ventures in various sectors like agriculture, construction, petrochemicals and information technology, need to be explored. 

The President emphasized the need for early finalization of the MoU between Gawadar and Turkmenbashi on Sister Port Relationship.

 (APP)

26645