PM Shehbaz, Turkmen President vow to deepen bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and discussed avenues to expand bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade, energy and regional connectivity.

The meeting took place as the prime minister arrived in Turkmenistan for a two-day official trip 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.

According to the PM Office, the interaction was marked by warm and cordial exchanges. The prime minister congratulated Turkmenistan on the neutrality anniversary and the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing connectivity through both land and sea routes, noting that Karachi and Gwadar ports offered Turkmenistan vital access to South Asian and global markets.

Sharif also conveyed gratitude to the Turkmen leadership for facilitating the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year.

He extended invitations to National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Pakistan next year.

President Berdimuhamedov, in response, expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors of mutual interest.

The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Information Minister Ata Tarar, and other senior officials.