ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to lasting peace and security in Afghanistan, and also stressed the potential of Afghanistan in becoming a regional hub of energy connectivity.
The prime minister made these remarks when he visited Herat as part of his two-day visit to Turkmenistan and Afghanistan at their invitation on February 22-23, 2018, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad on Monday .
During his visit to Turkmenistan, the prime minister participated in the link-up ceremonies of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline and associated projects.
The ceremonies were also attended by President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani.
The prime minister held a tete-a-tete meeting with the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedowfollowed by delegation-level talks. Both leaders highlighted the importance of TAPI gas pipeline and held fruitful discussions on subjects of mutual concern including regional connectivity.
On February 23, the prime minister attended a Handicrafts Exhibition in Serhetabat along with leaders of other member Countries, representing arts and culture of the four states.
In his statement at the inaugural ceremony in Turkmenistan, the prime minister reaffirmed TAPI’s significance as not just a gas transit initiative connecting Central Asia with South Asia but a multi-modal project that would lead to greater regional and economic collaboration.
Khaqan Abbasi further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the early completion of TAPI. An Intergovernmental Agreement on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan electricity transmission line was also signed.
Later, he proceeded to Afghanistan’s Herat City to participate in the inaugural ceremony of the Afghan side of the Pipeline project.
“The visit is reflective of the Pakistan’s vision to eradicate energy deficiency in Pakistan as part of Pakistan’s National Energy Policy and transform it into a regional industrial hub,” the Foreign Office’s statement said.
“For the realization of this goal, the Prime Minister is focusing on high-powered regional energy and connectivity projects that will not only augment Pakistan’s power supply but will forge better relations with neighboring and brotherly Countries.”
