On February 16, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan Irfan Ahmed, who presented credentials to the President of Turkmenistan.

Expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity of a personal meeting, the diplomat conveyed warm greetings from the President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, who reaffirmed the willingness to intensify the constructive Turkmen-Pakistani dialogue.

Emphasizing the great importance attached to cooperation with the countries of the Central Asian region, in particular with Turkmenistan, the ambassador expressed the deep interest of his country in the further progressive development of interstate cooperation that meets common goals and interests.

It was noted that Pakistan supported the creative, progressive foreign and domestic policy pursued by the Turkmen leader, as well as important international initiatives put forward by the President of Turkmenistan to create transcontinental energy and transport corridors, which are successfully implemented with the support of the world community.

Thanking for the kind words and conveying greetings to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in further strengthening interstate cooperation, successfully developing on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including within the framework of major international organizations and structures.

In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for the active support of Turkmenistan's initiatives in the world arena aimed at ensuring universal peace, security and sustainable development.

The Turkmen leader expressed satisfaction with the successful development of Turkmen-Pakistani relations, based on unbreakable ties of friendship, deep historical roots, common cultures and the principles of mutual understanding and trust.

During the meeting, which was held in a constructive atmosphere, the parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues of long-term productive cooperation, primarily in the fuel and energy sector, transport and communications.

Particular attention was paid to the project for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline, aimed at reviving the Great Silk Road in a new format and improving the well-being of the peoples of Southeast Asia.

Reaffirming Pakistan's high interest in accelerating the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline and laying Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power lines, fiber-optic communication lines, the Ambassador expressed confidence that the implementation of this ambitious project would contribute to the development of economic cooperation in the regional and international level.

According to the President of Turkmenistan, the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline will give a powerful impetus to the economic development of the region, will contribute to solving social and humanitarian issues, strengthening peace and stability.

Particular attention was paid to trade and economic relations, which have great prospects, taking into account the increased mutual interest and complementarity of the national economies of the two countries, which have impressive potential. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Pakistani Commission should play an important role in this area.

According to the unanimous opinion, traditional humanitarian ties have been and remain an important dominant of bilateral relations, strengthening of which is largely facilitated by various systemic contacts in the field of culture and art, joint Days of Culture, scientific and creative forums, etc.

Expressing gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the active concern about the issues of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Irfan Ahmed assured that he would apply every effort to further strengthen interstate relations that meet common interests.