Pakistan, Turkmenistan Vow to Boost Ties as PM Shehbaz Meets President Berdimuhamedov
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a warm and cordial meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during which both leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and the United Nations’ decision to designate 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. He emphasized the historic and fraternal nature of Pakistan–Turkmenistan relations and expressed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through enhanced trade and economic engagement.
The prime minister conveyed his profound gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and government for their support in ensuring the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran–Israel conflict earlier this year. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to expand regional connectivity with Turkmenistan, highlighting the strategic importance of Karachi and Gwadar ports for facilitating the Turkmen side’s access to South Asia and international markets.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also thanked the Turkmen President for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He conveyed his best wishes for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, and renewed his invitation to both President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Pakistan next year, on dates to be mutually agreed upon.
President Berdimuhamedov expressed appreciation for the prime minister’s visit and participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust. He affirmed Turkmenistan’s strong interest in deepening its cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Ashgabat on a two-day official visit to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, being held from December 11–12, 2025.
He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, along with other cabinet members and senior government officials.
