ASHGABAT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif touched down in Ashgabat on Thursday for a two-day official visit, during which he reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening regional cooperation with Turkmenistan via land and sea routes.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received warmly at Ashgabat International Airport by Mammetkhan Chakyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and head of the Transport and Communications Agency. Soon after, he met with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to discuss bilateral relations.
the talks, PM Shehbaz emphasized the strategic significance of Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports as key maritime access points for Turkmenistan, facilitating better connectivity to South Asia and neighboring regions. He conveyed Pakistan’s enthusiasm to leverage these ports to promote economic development, energy projects, and regional integration.
The Prime Minister extended congratulations to Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its Neutrality policy and appreciated the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. He underscored the longstanding, friendly ties between the two nations and expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation in trade, transportation, and energy.
Acknowledging Turkmenistan’s support during the recent evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran amid regional tensions, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for this assistance.
He also sent his best wishes to Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and invited both him and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to visit Pakistan next year on mutually agreed dates.
In response, President Berdimuhamedov reiterated Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding cooperation across various sectors and appreciated Pakistan’s active participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, as well as events marking the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy.
Throughout his visit, PM Shehbaz will attend several prominent international events in Ashgabat, bringing together global leaders, diplomats, and policymakers.
He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistants Tariq Fatemi and Talha Burki.
