ASHGABAT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial meeting with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Wednesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its historic ties with the Central Asian nation.
The Prime Minister congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. He emphasised the long-standing fraternal relations between the two countries and expressed Pakistan’s resolve to expand bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and economic engagement.
Read More: After UK court order, Adil Raja confirms he defamed Rashid Naseer
PM Shehbaz conveyed his profound gratitude to Turkmenistan for its vital support in safely evacuating Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year. He underscored Pakistan’s desire to enhance regional connectivity, proposing greater use of Karachi and Gwadar ports for Turkmenistan’s access to South Asia and beyond.
The Prime Minister thanked the Turkmen leadership for the generous hospitality offered to him and his delegation, and extended formal invitations to both President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to visit Pakistan next year.
President Berdimuhamedov appreciated Pakistan’s strong participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
PM Shehbaz arrived in Ashgabat earlier in the day for a two-day official visit to attend the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality. He is accompanied by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Information Minister Ata Tarar, and senior officials.
