ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, on Monday, underscored the urgency of finalizing the Transit Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan to bolster bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly nations. During a meeting with Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov at Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president emphasized that signing the agreement would facilitate the expansion of trade, promote regional connectivity, and stimulate economic activities in the region.

Both sides expressed their mutual desire to expedite the completion of the TAPI Gas Pipeline, emphasizing its significance in supporting Pakistan’s economy and meeting the country’s energy requirements.

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Welcoming the ambassador, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s deep appreciation for its bilateral relations with Turkmenistan, rooted in centuries-old historical, religious, and cultural ties. He expressed keenness to enhance high-level exchanges to invigorate bilateral relations further.

Highlighting the need for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation, the president emphasized that the current volume of trade between the two countries warrants further attention for the mutual benefit of both nations. President Zardari fondly recalled his visit to Turkmenistan during his first term in 2010, where he participated in the TAPI Summit and the fourth International Nauroz Festival in 2013.

In return, the Turkmen Ambassador conveyed warm greetings from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to President Zardari on his re-election. He highlighted that the trade agreement would not only benefit the two countries but also generate significant transit trade activities for the entire region. The president reciprocated the warm wishes for the leadership of Turkmenistan and expressed gratitude for their felicitations.