Pakistan and Turkmenistan have decided to improve connectivity by establishing communication corridors that would be conducive to tap the potential of trade and economic interaction, people-to-people contacts and tourism.
"Given the special geo-economic and geo-political significance of both countries, Pakistan and Turkmenistan decided to pay special attention to establishing air, road and rail links on priority basis," said a joint communiqué of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov issued on Thursday on the conclusion of latter's two-day official visit here on March 16-17. He was accompanied by ministers and senior officials of the Government of Turkmenistan as well as a group of leading businessmen.
During the visit, the Turkmen President had a meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
During their meeting, the President and the Prime Minister underlined the significance of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and expressed satisfaction over ground breaking of the project in December last year.
The Prime Minister appreciated the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan for implementation of this important project and agreed to take measures for early completion of this important regional energy project.
The two countries agreed to enhance bilateral economic and trade relations. Both sides realised that the volume of trade figures did not match the goodwill that existed between the two countries. They agreed to take appropriate measures to enhance bilateral trade and explore possibilities for its increase and diversification.
The leaders welcomed the holding of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Business Forum on the sidelines of the visit.
Both sides agreed that such sector-based interaction between businessmen of the two countries should be a regular feature that will facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
The leaders noted that Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoyed cordial relations, which was characterised by bonds of historical, cultural and religious affinity and mutual respect.
These are rooted deep in the hearts of the peoples. Both sides attach great importance to the friendship between their peoples and the need to further strengthen their cooperation," said the communiqué. The leaders recognised the importance of bilateral high-level political interaction that provides impetus to all areas of bilateral relations.
The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The leaders noted with satisfaction significant progress made in recent years in the strengthening of bilateral relations and increase in the high-level exchanges between the two countries. The two sides emphasised the importance of timely meetings of established bilateral mechanisms for enhancing cooperation in agreed sectors.
They reaffirmed their commitment to sustain the momentum of upward trajectory of bilateral ties.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan agreed to enhance cooperation on international and regional issues of common interest, and continue co-ordination within international and regional mechanisms such as the UN, NAM, G-77, ECO, and OIC.
The two leaders expressed their resolve to work together for promoting regional peace, development and prosperity.
Prime Minister, Muhammed Nawaz Sharif appreciated the visionary leadership and sagacity of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that have brought prosperity and socio-economic development to Turkmenistan. He congratulated Turkmenistan on the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Declaration of Neutrality and reaffirmed Pakistan's full support for this initiative, which has contributed toward peace and stability in the region.
The two sides agreed that bilateral cooperation in all sectors held great potential. They agreed to create conducive conditions and initiate important development projects in trade, economic, financial and other sectors for the promotion of infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, multi-media technology, banking, environment and energy sectors.