Islamabad, (Parliament Times) ; The Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadjan Movlamov has said that Leadership of his country considers Pakistan as a strategic partner in the implementation of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) Gas pipeline project. Ambassador said this in a Seminar on “Turkmenistan-Pakistan Relations – Pursuing a Collaborative Future” at the Center of Pakistan and International Relations in collaboration with “Pakistan in the World” media group.
Ambassador Movlamov said, “Finance for TAPI is no problem. Afghanistan is ready to cooperate on TAPI. We are flexible to discuss the ways forward with Pakistan. Pakistani State Minister Petroleum has visited Turkmenistan recently to have further discussions on TAPI. Both countries are committed in project. TAPI is not for the economy only, but it is for peace in the region as well.
Ambassador R Khalid Mehmood, former President Islamabad Strategic Studies Institute (ISSI) noted “The region has been badly affected by Great Game but now we have to turn Great Game into Great Gain.”
Mr. Tazeen Akhtar raised the question of trade in local currencies. Ambassador replied that bilateral agreement is required for that.
Chairperson COPAIR Amna Munawwar Awan highlighted necessity of maximum interactions between the business community of both 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. She shared experience of Pakistan on the same.
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.
Embassy of Turkmenistan and COPAIR screened documentaries on the history of bilateral relations and future aspects of mutual cooperation. The participants of the seminar 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, based 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