ISLAMABAD: In view of the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen high-level dialogue and leadership-level exchanges, besides strengthening bilateral dialogue mechanisms.
Bilateral ties were discussed in the third round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan bilateral political consultations held here at the Ministry of External Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar led the Pakistani side, while the Turkmen side was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.
The two sides reviewed Pakistan-Turkmenistan bilateral relations, including bilateral trade and investment, energy cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people relations.
The two sides agreed to intensify joint efforts to further expand and deepen bilateral cooperation, including in the political, economic and defense fields. It was also agreed to develop closer economic engagement in the priority areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity and information technology. The two sides also discussed the TAPI Pipeline and TAP Electricity Transmission Line projects.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary expressed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties commensurate with its true potential.
He stressed the need for early finalization of the transit trade agreement and visa liberalization to facilitate businessmen.
The two sides also agreed to support bilateral parliamentary engagement and strengthen cultural exchanges, educational scholarships including training of diplomats and people-to-people contacts.
It was agreed to work closely to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and dialogue in multilateral settings, including the United Nations and the Economic Cooperation Organization.
Regional and global issues of common concern were also discussed, including the situation in Afghanistan and India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.