Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said there is keen desire on the part of both Pakistan and Turkmenistan to further promote their economic and commercial relations.

Talking to a delegation of Turkmenistan in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoy brotherly relations underpinned by common history, culture and religion.

He underscored that Pakistan can be a gateway for quick access to Turkmenistan's rich energy reserves.

Referring to the strategic TAPI Gas Pipeline Project, the Prime Minister said this project is manifestation of Pakistan-Turkmenistan strategic cooperation in the energy sector. He highlighted that TAPI is a critical component of our government's vision for ensuring Pakistan's energy security that will bring economic growth and prosperity not only in Pakistan but in the entire region.

He renewed the commitment for early implementation of the project and hoped that the project shall be completed at the earliest by optimizing all available resources by all concerned parties.

The Prime Minister nominated Special Assistant Dr Jehanzeb Khan to work as a focal person from the Pakistani side in order to expedite the work on various components of the TAPI project.