FIFTH MEETING OF THE JOINT TURKMEN-PAKISTANI INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION

On August 18, 2017, the fifth regular meeting of the joint Turkmen-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission took place in Ashgabat. The co-chairman of the commission from the Turkmen side was the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan           R. Meredov, and the Pakistani side was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

A wide range of issues related to the priority areas for further partnership was included into the agenda of the meeting, attended by the leaders and leading experts from related ministries and departments of both countries. The parties analyzed the results of joint work on the implementation of existing interstate agreements.

During the meeting, the parties considered the development of trade and economic relations between the countries and noted the positive dynamics of the growth of mutual trade in recent years. Noting the productive results of the Turkmen-Pakistani business forum and the Exhibition of textile, medical and food industries of Turkmenistan on March 16-18, 2016 in Islamabad, the parties discussed the possibilities of holding such events in the future.

During the talks, the role of the TAPI gas pipeline, which is an important long-term energy project, representing political, social and economic significance for the participating countries, was noted. Also at the meeting the parties discussed issues of cooperation in the areas of oil, gas, electric power, transport and communications. The sides noted the interest in developing cooperation in the fields of agriculture and industry. The possibilities of further intensifying cultural and humanitarian cooperation were also considered.

Based on the results of the joint Turkmen-Pakistani intergovernmental commission, the final protocol was signed.