PM Shehbaz Meets Turkmen President, Calls for Stronger Trade and Connectivity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding economic engagement. The meeting took place during the premier’s two-day official visit to Turkmenistan, undertaken at the invitation of President Berdimuhamedov.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its Permanent Neutrality and the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. He highlighted the “historic and fraternal” relations between the two countries and expressed Pakistan’s resolve to enhance collaboration, particularly in trade, energy and regional connectivity.

The prime minister also conveyed his gratitude to the Turkmen leadership for facilitating the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year. He underscored Pakistan’s interest in bolstering connectivity through land and sea routes, noting that Karachi and Gwadar ports offered Turkmenistan viable access points for expanding its outreach to South Asia and beyond.

Thanking President Berdimuhamedov for the warm hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation, PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes for National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He reiterated invitations to both leaders to undertake official visits to Pakistan next year, with dates to be determined by both sides.

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The premier arrived in Ashgabat earlier in the day, where he was received by Deputy Chairman of Cabinet Ministers Mammetkhan Chakyev. His delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the PM Talha Burki, and senior aide Tariq Fatemi.

During his stay, the prime minister is also scheduled to attend a forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s UN-recognised permanent neutrality. PTV News reported that he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders attending the event.

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