Islamabad, February 26, 2018 (PPI-OT): At a joint invitation from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi undertook a 2-day visit to Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, to participate in the link-up ceremonies of TAPI pipeline and associated projects. The ceremonies were also attended by President of Afghanistan Mr. Ashraf Ghani.
The Prime Minister held a tete-a-tete meeting with the President of Turkmenistan followed by delegation-level talks. Both leaders highlighted the importance of TAPI gas pipeline and held fruitful discussions on subjects of mutual concern, including regional connectivity. On 23rd February, the Prime Minister attended a Handicrafts Exhibition in Serhetabat, along with leaders of other member countries, representing arts and culture of the four states.
In his statement at the inaugural ceremony in Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister reaffirmed TAPI’s significance as not just a gas transit initiative connecting Central Asia with South Asia but a multi-modal project that would lead to greater regional and economic collaboration. He further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the early completion of TAPI. An Intergovernmental Agreement on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan electricity transmission line was also signed.
Later, he proceeded to Herat, Afghanistan where he was received by the Afghan President. During the inaugural ceremony of the Afghan side of the Pipeline project, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to lasting peace and security in Afghanistan and stressed the potential of Afghanistan in becoming a regional hub of energy connectivity.
The visit is reflective of the Pakistan’s vision to eradicate energy deficiency in Pakistan as part of Pakistan’s National Energy Policy and transform it into a regional industrial hub. For the realization of this goal, the Prime Minister is focusing on high-powered regional energy and connectivity projects that will not only augment Pakistan’s power supply but will forge better relations with neighboring and brotherly countries.
For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk