Islamabad: In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Pakistan and Turkmenistan have pledged to deepen economic engagement in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, connectivity, and information technology. This commitment was made during the third round of bilateral political consultations held in Islamabad.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov. Both sides agreed to intensify efforts in expanding cooperation across political, economic, and defence domains.

The discussions also covered major projects like the TAPI pipeline and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Electricity Transmission Line, aiming to bolster regional connectivity and energy security. Furthermore, both nations reviewed their ongoing bilateral relations, acknowledging a positive trajectory and expressing a mutual desire to enhance high-level dialogues and exchanges.

Additionally, the two sides resolved to strengthen bilateral dialogue mechanisms and promote engagements at parliamentary levels, cultural exchanges, and educational scholarships, including the training of diplomats. They emphasized working closely to enhance cooperation in multilateral settings, including at the United Nations and the Economic Cooperation Organization.

Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to elevating bilateral trade and economic ties to their full potential. He emphasized the importance of finalizing the Transit Trade Agreement and easing visa regulations to support business communities. Dar also mentioned the strategic advantage of Pakistan’s seaports, including Gwadar and Karachi, which he said could serve as gateways for Turkmen businesses to access markets in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

In his address, Dar also briefed on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stating that peace in South Asia hinges on the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.