Turkmenistan-Pakistan Relations, early completion of TAPI Project stressed

Islamabad: The Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadjan Movlamov has said that the leadership of his country considers Pakistan as a strategic partner in the implementation of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) Gas pipeline project. He said this in hus aďdress during his speech at a Seminar, “Turkmenistan-Pakistan Relations – Pursuing a Collaborative Future” at the Center of Pakistan and International Relations in collaboration with “Pakistan in the World” media group.

The Ambassador added that , “Finance for TAPI is no problem. Afghanistan is ready to cooperate on the project. We are flexible to discuss the way forward with Pakistan. He made the mention that Pakistan’s State Minister for Petroleum has visited Turkmenistan recently to have further discussions on TAPI. TAPI is not for the economy only, but is meant for peace in the region as well he added.

Ambassador R Khalid Mehmood, former President Islamabad Strategic Studies Institute (ISSI) noted “The region has been badly affected by the Great Game but now we have to turn this Great Game into a Great Gain.”

In response to Chief Executive of “Pakistan in the World” Tazeen Akhtar’s question about the possibility of trade in local currencies. The Turkmen Ambassador replied that it will require a bilateral agreement.

Chairperson COPAIR Amna Munawwar Awan highlighted necessity of maximum interactions between the business community of both the countries through air, road and digital connectivity.

Former Chairperson National Commission on Rights of Child, Ms Afshan Tehseen Bajwa appreciated the humanitarian assistance of Turkmenistan government extended to Pakistan and Turkiye in their hard times. She also appreciated steps taken by Turkmenistan government on the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Turkmen-Pakistan trade logistics expert, Aamir Saleem Mir suggested ease of B2B contacts.

Dr Adam Saud of Bahria University advocated people to people and business to business interactions.

The speakers emphasized on the early completion of TAPI project as both sides had already done huge home work on the energy corridor that can change the destiny of the participating countries.

Mr. Tazeen Akhtar said, “Education sector, especially Medical Education can play big role in enhancing the bilateral relations. A large number of Pakistani students study medical in other central asian states. Turkmenistan government can also attract Pakistani students. Agreement with Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Medical Commission can be worked upon in this regard.”

The participants were also acquainted with the socio-economic developments of Turkmenistan, particularly, with a construction of a new administrative centre of the Akhal velayat, the city of Arkadag, which is being built, on the concept of a “smart” city.

The speakers were unanimous that Pakistan is energy starved country while Turkmenistan is keen to share from its vast resources to the countries of the region. This opportunity should be availed as soon as possible.