Pakistan and Turkmenistan officials agreed to expedite the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and intensify their cooperation in defense, economic, and political spheres.
The developments were reported during the third round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan bilateral political consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 23, 2024.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, led their respective sides.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, energy cooperation, and connectivity.
Senator Dar emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to increasing bilateral trade and economic ties. He highlighted the need to finalize the Transit Trade Agreement and liberalize the visa regime to facilitate business.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen their cultural exchanges, educational scholarships, and people-to-people contacts. They will work together in multilateral forums like the United Nations and the Economic Cooperation Organisation. Regional and global issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and IIOJK, were also discussed.
In a joint media briefing, Dar spoke about the deep-rooted relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, founded on a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. He expressed anticipation for the visit of Turkmenistan’s National Leader, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to Pakistan, which is expected to further strengthen the friendly ties between the two nations.
Dar also invited Turkmen companies to invest in Pakistan, highlighting the favorable investment climate and the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in aiding foreign investors. He noted that Pakistan’s seaports provide excellent opportunities for mutual business ventures.
TAPI Gas Pipeline Project
In a related development on July 24, Pakistan and Turkmenistan agreed to expedite the TAPI pipeline project during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik, and Foreign Minister Meredov.
The TAPI pipeline, originating from Galkynysh, the world’s second-largest gas field, will end in Fazilka, India, covering over 1,800 kilometers and supplying about 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Meredov emphasized the importance of the TAPI transnational gas pipeline project, which aims to supply natural gas from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan.
He highlighted the commitment to implementing this and other large-scale projects as the cornerstone of Turkmen-Pakistani economic cooperation.
“Our discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment and unwavering resolve to collaborate on these initiatives,” he said.
Dr. Malik noted that the project would lower energy costs, boost industrial growth, create jobs, and foster economic development. “Reliable and affordable energy supplies are vital for industrial sectors and overall economic stability,” he stated.
Meredov expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by Pakistani authorities and highlighted the strategic importance of the TAPI project in enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.
The TAPI project, initially envisioned in the early 1990s and officially agreed upon in 2010, has faced delays due to security concerns, geopolitical tensions, funding challenges, and bureaucratic hurdles. However, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to seeing the project through, emphasizing its significance for regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development.