The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Atadjan Movlamov, has stressed the urgent need to establish direct flights between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, terming it the “need of the hour.” He suggested that chartered flights should begin before direct operations to further strengthen business-to-business linkages.
Speaking during a one-on-one meeting with Muhammad Shaheryar Memon, Focal Person to the Chairman, PM Youth Program for Overseas Affairs and Business & Trade Linkages, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad, the envoy highlighted the importance of enhancing dialogue between the aviation sectors of the two countries.
Ambassador Movlamov said Turkmenistan and Pakistan could play a pivotal role in regional economic integration, with the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline project standing as a landmark initiative in energy cooperation. He added that along with the TAPI project, joint ventures in railway, road connectivity, and a 1200 MW power project would play a key role in meeting Pakistan’s energy needs.
He emphasized that the leaders of both countries, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, were committed to fostering full economic cooperation with Central Asian states, with Turkmenistan–Pakistan ties holding particular significance.
The Ambassador further underscored the need to promote direct engagement between the business communities of both countries through trade delegations and exhibitions. He noted that Turkmenistan ranks fourth globally in natural gas reserves and is well-positioned to meet the energy needs of regional countries.
Highlighting existing cooperation, he said Turkmenistan had already established a 1200 MW power station dedicated to meeting Pakistan’s needs in Gwadar and Balochistan, with a signed MoU in place. Pakistan also exports marble to Turkmenistan, which has high domestic consumption, while demand for Pakistani mangoes and citrus fruits is also rising.
Ambassador Movlamov mentioned that the Turkmen government provides free electricity and gas to its citizens, underscoring the country’s strong energy base.
On this occasion, Shaheryar Memon said Pakistan and Turkmenistan, as two vital regional partners, can significantly contribute to economic integration, with the completion of the TAPI project being critical. He reaffirmed that direct flights and trade exhibitions would serve as a strong bridge between the business communities of both nations and highlighted vast cooperation opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and marble sectors.
News courtesy: APP
