Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has underlined the need for enhanced regional integration and connectivity to reap the dividends of peace.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is on a two-day visit to Turkmenistan.
Addressing the International Conference on Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality in Ashgabat on Saturday, he said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project has recently been launched, and it will go a long way in facilitating connectivity in the region.
He stated that Pakistan is also supporting other regional energy and infrastructure projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline project, CASA 1000 and connectivity projects in Afghanistan.
PM Nawaz said Pakistan attaches great priority to the TAPI project that has the potential to spur growth to change the economic landscape.
He said Pakistan seeks peace, progress, and prosperity for all and is determined to pursue the course of dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes. He said he believes that shared prosperity is real prosperity.
While talking about relations with Turkmenistan, the premier said Pakistan was amongst the few countries that recognised Turkmenistan as a sovereign and independent state. He reaffirmed unflinching support to the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
The premier, accompanied by State Minister for Petroleum Jam Kamal and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, was received by Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister at the airport.
During his stay, PM Nawaz Sharif would also participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project along with the president of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and vice president of India.
The visit would highlight the importance that Pakistan attaches to the TAPI Gas Pipeline Project and the commitment to its early completion. Pakistan will be able to import 1325 mmcfd natural gas from Turkmenistan. Thus, this project will help in mitigating energy deficit in the country.
