ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The second round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov led their respective delegations to the talks.
During the talks, the two sides reviewed the implementation of bilateral decisions undertaken in the first round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Bilateral Political Consultations.
The two sides hailed the progress in political, diplomatic, economic, commercial and defense sectors between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
They also deliberated upon other aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two Countries.
After the meeting, the two sides will sign memorandum of understandings (MoUs) for the promotion of Pakistan-Turkmenistan bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan and Turkmenistan inked the finalized version of the host government agreement on the Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India (TAPI) gas pipeline network in Islamabad.
The agreement was signed by the Federal Secretary Petroleum Mian Asad Hayauddin from the Pakistani side and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TPCL Amanov.
The Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ghulam Sarwar Khan and the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov were also present on the occasion.
In his remarks, on the occasion, Ghulam Sarwar Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment for an early and successful implementation of the TAPI project which aims to bring natural gas from the Gylkynish and adjacent gas fields in Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
The minister hoped the ground breaking of the project will be held in Pakistan in 2019.
The Turkmen foreign minister appraised the minster of his government’s initiatives in ensuring the timelines of the project.
Rashid Meredov welcomed Pakistan’s continued commitment and active interest in the TAPI gas project.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office of Pakistan released an official statement after the joint press briefing of Rashid Meredov and Shah Mahmoud Qurashi. Hereunder is official statement
Turkmen Foreign Minister concludes his Trip to Islamabad
The Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mr. Rashid Meredov visited Islamabad from 11-12 March 2019.
The Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov led their respective delegations to the 2nd Round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC). Both Ministers took stock of various aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction over the current level of engagement. Both sides stressed on further endeavors to enhance bilateral economic relations through joint ventures in mutually identified areas particularly agriculture, textile, livestock and IT sectors.
The two Ministers also emphasized the need for specific measures, to ensure greater connectivity through road, rail and air linkages in order to promote trade, tourism and people to people contact between the two friendly countries.
The Ministers also underscored the importance of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project and agreed to ensure its early implementation.
Both sides also reviewed implementation of the decisions taken during the inaugural round of BPC held in Islamabad in January, 2018 and expressed commitment to enhance high-level engagements in the days to come.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi briefed his counterpart on the prevailing security situation in South Asia, highlighting the aggressive and irresponsible attitude of India.
During the visit Foreign Minister Meredov paid courtesy calls on the President and Prime Minister. He also met with Ministers for Finance, Petroleum, Energy, Governor State Bank and Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) and discussed issues related to cooperation in energy and economic sectors.
Memoranda were signed to enhance cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries and their diplomatic institutions. A Protocol was signed to amend an enforced Agreement for Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Turkmenistan. Host Government Agreement for TAPI Gas Pipeline Project was signed. In order to enhance trade and commercial linkages, MoU was also signed for establishment of Pak-Turkmen Joint Business Council (JBC).
