Ashgabat (TDI): On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a “cordial” and “productive” meeting with Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during his two-day official visit to Turkmenistan.
The visit coincides with the International Forum commemorating the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, taking place from December 11 to 12, 2025.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, along with other cabinet members and senior officials.
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, the prime minister received a warm welcome from Mammetkhan Chakyev, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet responsible for Turkmenistan’s Transport and Communications Agency.
PM Sharif conveyed heartfelt congratulations to President Berdimuhamedov on Turkmenistan’s neutrality anniversary and the international recognition of 2025 as a year dedicated to peace and trust.
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The two leaders reflected on long-standing ties rooted in mutual respect and cultural affinity, reaffirming their commitment to nurturing the partnership.
The prime minister expressed profound appreciation to Turkmenistan’s leadership for helping ensure the safe evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan’s ports in Karachi and Gwadar are strategically located to serve as major maritime access points for Turkmenistan, helping it reach South Asia and other regions more efficiently.
He emphasized Pakistan’s interest in using these routes to boost regional connectivity and strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and economic sectors.
The prime minister also extended congratulations to President Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, as well as the UN’s decision to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust.
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The prime minister warmly thanked the Turkmen leadership for the gracious hospitality shown to him and his delegation.
He extended his heartfelt wishes to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, and warmly renewed his invitation to both Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to visit Pakistan next year, with dates to be mutually agreed upon.
Reaffirming the “longstanding and brotherly” bond between the two nations, he expressed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding ties, especially in transport, energy, and commerce.
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
