ASHGABAT (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat on Thursday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, connectivity, and economic engagement.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
Highlighting the historic and brotherly relations between the two nations, the premier expressed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen ties. He also thanked the Turkmen government for assisting in the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran earlier this year during the Iran-Israel conflict.
PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s interest in enhancing regional connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes, noting that Karachi and Gwadar ports offer ideal access points for Turkmen exports to South Asia and beyond.
The prime minister also expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and conveyed best wishes for National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also renewed Pakistan’s invitation to both him and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Islamabad next year.
President Berdimuhamedov thanked the premier for his visit and participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and affirmed that Turkmenistan is keen to expand cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors.
PM Arrives in Turkmenistan
PM Shehbaz arrived in Ashgabat on a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Berdimuhamedov. He was received at the airport by Deputy Chairman of Cabinet Ministers Mammetkhan Chakyev.
The delegation accompanying him includes Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior advisor Tariq Fatemi, and Special Assistant to the PM Talha Burki.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz will attend a high-profile forum marking the UN-designated International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutral status — granted by the UN in 1995.
State media reported that the prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders attending the forum.
