THIRTY YEARS OF PAKISTAN - TURKMENISTAN RELATIONS.

Byline: Muhammad Asif NOOR

Pakistan and Turkmenistan's time tested friendship is turning thirty years old with thousand splendid suns shining bright to reflect the sense of togetherness and support in rock solid way. Over the past three decades the robust relations continued to grow in diverse direction from policy levels to cultural cooperation, energy sector and trade, people to people ties, cooperation in education and research fields. With sharing of the similar insights on global and regional issues, Pakistan and Turkmenistan continuously supported each other in building global peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Pakistan stood by Turkmenistan on its important foreign policy stance of permanent neutrality. On the other hand, Turkmenistan supported Pakistan on not only global and regional issues but offered huge energy and connectivity projects that can change the fate of the country. As a result of the visionary leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan is one of the most widely respected nations at the global stage for promoting the values of peace, prosperity, and development. Since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Pakistan has supported Turkmenistan, its independence, sovereignty and the status of the Permanent Neutrality.

Pakistan and Turkmenistan are members of important regional and international forums including United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Non-Aligned Movement. Over the course of three decades, there were several high level visits from both sides including visits of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers. There were several important joint ministerial commission's sessions held to move forward the ideals of cooperation in diverse sectors. Although trade volume is not encouraging nevertheless it is steadily growing through a strong will as there is huge potential for the promotion of trade between the two countries.

Turkmenistan offers Pakistan huge support in energy, electricity and communication sectors especially TurkmenistanAfghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is the hallmark of the joint cooperation. TAPI is also considered as the peace pipeline having potentials to extend peace, prosperity and development across the region. Galkynysh is the tipping point for the TAPI gas pipeline having an estimate of 27 trillion cubic meters. Gas from this field will be transported from Turkmenistan through...