ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):The Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed that Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoy cordial and brotherly relations anchored in mutual respect, shared values, common history, culture, and a longstanding tradition of cooperation.
During a meeting with Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan he fondly recalled his official visit to Turkmenistan in May last year, during which he held productive meetings with the leadership of Turkmenistan, including President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. He noted that these engagements further strengthened mutual understanding and opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration.
Highlighting the historical foundations of bilateral ties, the Chairman Senate observed that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence in 1991, with diplomatic relations formally established in May 1992.
He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and recalled Pakistan’s role as co-sponsor of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s neutrality.
Referring to recent high-level engagements, the Chairman Senate highlighted the visits of Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister to Turkmenistan, including the Prime Minister’s participation in the United Nations International Forum of Peace and Trust in December 2025, commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality.
On the sidelines of the Forum, the Prime Minister held a substantive bilateral meeting with President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, where both sides emphasized enhancing economic cooperation and expanding bilateral engagement. An invitation was also extended to the President of Turkmenistan to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in 2026.
The Chairman Senate expressed confidence that the forthcoming visit would further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen people-to-people contacts.
Underscoring the strategic importance of Turkmenistan for Pakistan, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted the vast potential for collaboration in energy, LPG, trade, and investment.
He emphasized the significance of advancing regional connectivity, including railway linkages and the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, as well as expanding economic cooperation through trade and investment opportunities.
He also apprised the Ambassador of Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which offers a one-window operation to facilitate foreign investment, and invited Turkmenistan to explore investment opportunities in IT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and other priority sectors.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman Senate referred to the successful convening of the 1st Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Islamabad under the theme “Peace, Security and Development.”
He underscored that the theme remains highly relevant in the contemporary global context. Recalling his visit to Turkmenistan at the invitation of the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, he extended invitations to the President of Turkmenistan and the Speaker of the Milli Majlis to visit Pakistan, expressing confidence that such exchanges would further solidify bilateral relations.
He also invited participation in the forthcoming ISC scheduled to be held in Cambodia.
The Chairman Senate further noted that Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both countries continue to serve as effective platforms for dialogue and legislative cooperation. Following the general elections in Pakistan in February 2024, new Parliamentary Friendship Groups with Turkmenistan were constituted in both Houses of Parliament.
He emphasized that regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations, joint meetings, and seminars are vital for strengthening mutual trust and promoting cooperation on regional and global issues.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan appreciated Pakistan’s continued support and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and parliamentary domains. He expressed strong optimism regarding enhanced collaboration in energy and railway connectivity, transit trade, and regional connectivity, including through Gwadar Port.
The Chairman Senate reiterated that Pakistan attaches high importance to its friendly relations with Turkmenistan and remains committed to translating longstanding goodwill and institutional engagement into tangible and mutually beneficial outcomes for the peoples of both countries.
He conveyed his best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, and expressed Pakistan’s keen anticipation of their forthcoming visits.