ISLAMABAD: The 5th session of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Joint Governmental Commission (JGC) was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 17-18 August 2017.
The session was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov.
Besides reviewing the implementation of decisions of August 2014 JGC Islamabad session, the meeting focused on trade enhancement and ways to intensify bilateral cooperation in diverse fields – including agriculture, communications, Information Technology, education, science and technology, industries, media and culture.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan are engaged in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, which holds huge potential to cater to Pakistan’s energy needs. The two sides would seek ways of ensuring early realisation 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.
The visit of Kh Asif to Turkmenistan will strengthen mutual cooperation on bilateral and regional levels. It would also reinforce Pakistan’s endeavours to deepen its engagement with Central Asia and build a strong economic partnership with the region.