Curtain Raiser- 4th Session of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Joint Governmental Commission

The 4th Session of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Joint Governmental Commission (JGC) is being held in Islamabad on 7-8 August 2014.

The Session will be co-Chaired by the Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mr. Rashid Meredov and Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz. Accordingly, a high-level Turkmen delegation led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov is visiting Pakistan from 6-8 August 2014.

Besides reviewing implementation of decisions of the last JGC Session held in Ashgabat in April 2012, the meeting will focus on measures for trade enhancement and ways to intensify bilateral cooperation in diverse fields – including agriculture, communications, Information Technology, education, science & technology, industries, media and culture.

Collaboration in the energy sector is a crucial component of the bilateral relationship. Pakistan and Turkmenistan are engaged in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, which holds huge potential for meeting Pakistan’s energy needs. Besides, the two countries are working on a project for the import of electricity from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan. The two sides would seek ways of ensuring early realization of these projects.

The two countries are also focused on measures for enhanced connectivity including air and land linkages to promote trade, travel, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Pakistan and Turkmenistan traditionally enjoy close, cordial relations marked by trust and understanding. Bilateral collaboration in different sectors has been growing steadily. The visit of the Turkmen Foreign Minister will contribute to increased mutual cooperation on the bilateral and regional planes. It would also reinforce Pakistan’s endeavours to deepen its engagement with Central Asia and build a strong economic partnership with the region.

Islamabad
6 August 2014

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