Islamabad: The Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadjan Movlamov has said that Leadership of his country considers Pakistan as a strategic partner in the implementation of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) Gas pipeline project. Ambassador said this in a Seminar on “Turkmenistan-Pakistan Relations – Pursuing a Collaborative Future” at the Center of Pakistan and International Relations in collaboration with “Pakistan in the World” media group.

Ambassador Movlamov said, “Finance for TAPI is no problem. Afghanistan is ready to cooperate on TAPI. We are flexible to discuss the ways forward with Pakistan. Pakistani State Minister Petroleum has visited Turkmenistan recently to have further discussions on TAPI. Both countries are committed in project. TAPI is not for the economy only, but it is for peace in the region as well.

Ambassador R Khalid Mehmood, former President Islamabad Strategic Studies Institute (ISSI) noted “The region has been badly affected by Great Game but now we have to turn Great Game into Great Gain.”

Chief Executive of “Pakistan in the World” media, Mr. Tazeen Akhtar raised the question of trade in local currencies. Ambassador replied that bilateral agreement is required for that.

Chairperson COPAIR Amna Munawwar Awan highlighted necessity of maximum interactions between the business community of both countries through air, road and digital connectivity.

Former Chairperson National Commission on Rights of Child, Ms Afshan Tehseen Bajwa appreciated the humanitarian assistance of Turkmenistan government extended to Pakistan and Turkiye in their hard times. She also appreciated steps taken by Turkmenistan government on the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals. She shared experience of Pakistan on the same.

Turkmen-Pakistan trade logistics expert, Aamir Saleem Mir suggested ease of B2B contacts.

Dr Adam Saud of Bahria University advocated people to people and business to business interactions.

Editor National Herald Tribune, Riaz Malik, Editor Election Times, Safeer Shah also spoke on the subject.

The speakers emphasized on the early completion of TAPI project as both sides had already done huge home work on the energy corridor that can change the destiny of the participating countries.

Ambassador R Khalid Mehmood suggested that both sides should work on what are the hurdles and how, they can be removed. Ambassador of Turkmenistan supported the suggestion.

Mr. Tazeen Akhtar said, “Education sector, especially Medical Education can play big role in enhancing the bilateral relations. A large number of Pakistani students study medical in other central asian states. Turkmenistan government can also attract Pakistani students. Agreement with Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Medical Commission can be worked upon in this regard.”

He highlighted that Pakistan can import gas and electricity through TAPI pipe line and TAP power line. It will not only fulfill our energy deficiency but benefit the people in shape of low rates of the abundant energy. It will help decrease the inflation in the country and improve the living of the public.

Embassy of Turkmenistan and COPAIR screened documentaries on the history of bilateral relations and future aspects of mutual cooperation. Comprehensive presentations were given on the chronology of the events and developments in mutual contacts from establishment of diplomatic relations to bilateral visits of leaders of both nations. The participants appreciated the presentations as very well prepared and thoughtful.

The participants of the seminar were also acquainted with the socio-economic developments of Turkmenistan, particularly, with a construction of a new administrative centre of the Akhal velayat, the city of Arkadag, which is being built, based on the concept of a “smart” city.

The speakers were unanimous that Pakistan is energy starved country while Turkmenistan is keen to share from its vast resources to the countries of the region. This opportunity should be availed as soon as possible.