ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan–Turkmenistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by its Convener Sanjay Perwani, held a meeting with Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov at the Parliament House, Islamabad, to discuss strengthening parliamentary relations and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Members of the National Assembly Fateh Ullah Khan and Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan. The discussions focused on inter-parliamentary engagement, bilateral trade, regional connectivity and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
Welcoming Ambassador Movlamov, Mr Perwani highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect and friendship. He recalled Pakistan’s early recognition of Turkmenistan’s independence and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality.
The convener stressed the need to strengthen inter-parliamentary engagement and proposed the establishment of a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Parliament of Turkmenistan to facilitate regular dialogue and exchanges between the two legislatures.
During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of finalising and operationalising the Pakistan–Turkmenistan Transit Trade Agreement, particularly in view of Turkmenistan’s landlocked status and the need for reliable transit routes.
Ambassador Movlamov highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation in trade, transport, energy and infrastructure. He also emphasised the significance of regional connectivity and the development of transport corridors.
Both sides recognised the importance of strengthening business-to-business contacts, facilitating trade delegations and exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
The meeting also underlined the value of continued high-level engagement, parliamentary exchanges and cooperation on regional and international matters. Mr Perwani reiterated the importance of sustained engagement between the two Parliamentary Friendship Groups and expressed the hope that the proposed counterpart group would provide a foundation for regular interaction and practical cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan–Turkmenistan relations through parliamentary diplomacy, enhanced trade and economic cooperation, and closer people-to-people ties.
