ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari called for the expansion of bilateral relations with Turkmenistan in all areas of mutual interest and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to its relationship with Turkmenistan.
The President expressed these views while talking to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, who invited him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President said that relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan are based on a common vision of peace and prosperity in the region. The exchange of high-level visits between the two countries signified a mutual desire to further strengthen bilateral understanding and cooperation.
Welcoming the minister, the President emphasized the need to improve connectivity and communication between Pakistan and Turkmenistan and said that Gwadar port offers great opportunities to promote regional trade and Turkmenistan should benefit from the port.
The President emphasized that for the prosperity of both countries, it is necessary to continue exchanges and dialogue at all levels and strengthen trade, economic, investment and cultural relations. He offered that Turkmen students can seek education from medical institutions in Pakistan. The President drew attention to the importance of the third round of bilateral political consultations organized by the two foreign ministers today.
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan said that Pakistan and Turkmenistan have cordial relations. He said his country would continue to support economic, cultural and educational cooperation with Pakistan.
He emphasized the importance of constructing highways and railways through Afghanistan to connect the two brotherly countries.
Foreign Minister Meredov conveyed the greetings of the leadership of Turkmenistan to the President.
Echoing the sentiment, the President said he looked forward to welcoming the great leader of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to Pakistan.
