Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat on Thursday and explored new avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He congratulated the Turkmen leader on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and praised the UN decision to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with Turkmenistan and urged both countries to enhance trade, energy cooperation, and economic connectivity. He thanked Turkmenistan for assisting in the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year, noting that the gesture reflected deep mutual goodwill.
Connectivity and Strategic Opportunities
The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s strategic role in regional connectivity. He stated that Karachi and Gwadar ports provide Turkmenistan with direct access to South Asian and global markets. He urged both countries to expand cooperation through land and sea routes, stressing that stronger logistics and transport links would boost trade and energy flows across the wider region.
Shehbaz also conveyed warm greetings for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people. He renewed Pakistan’s invitation for both Turkmen leaders to visit Islamabad next year, signalling Islamabad’s intent to elevate bilateral engagement at the leadership level.
Turkmenistan Signals Interest in Expanded Partnership
President Berdimuhamedov thanked Shehbaz for attending the International Forum on Peace and Trust and expressed Turkmenistan’s willingness to expand cooperation in multiple sectors. He acknowledged Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties and noted the potential for deeper collaboration in trade, energy and connectivity.
Shehbaz arrived in Ashgabat for a two-day official visit to participate in events marking the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials.
