Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to develop closer economic engagement in the priority areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity and information technology.

An understanding to this effect was reached at the third round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan bilateral political consultations in Islamabad today.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led the Pakistan side, while Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov represented his country.

The two sides agreed to intensify joint efforts to further expand and deepen bilateral cooperation including political, economic and defence domains.

They also discussed the projects of TAPI pipeline and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Electricity Transmission Line.

Both sides reviewed Pakistan-Turkmenistan bilateral relations, including bilateral trade and investment, energy cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people linkages. They noted the positive trajectory of the relations and agreed to further enhance high-level dialogue and exchanges at the leadership level. The two sides will also strengthen bilateral dialogue mechanisms.

The two sides also agreed to promote bilateral parliamentary engagement and enhance cultural exchanges, educational scholarships including training of diplomats and people-to-people contacts. They will work closely to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and dialogue in multilateral settings including at the United Nations and Economic Cooperation Organization.

Speaking on the occasion, Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan's commitment to further enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties commensurate with its true potential. He underlined, in this regard, the need for early finalization of the Transit Trade Agreement and liberalization of visa regime to facilitate businesspersons.

Ishaq Dari said Pakistan's seaports offer the business communities of our two countries to explore win-win opportunities. He said we welcome businesses and enterprises in Turkmenistan to avail the Gwadar and Karachi seaports for trade connectivity with the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

He also briefed the Turkmen side on the dismal situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said a  durable peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.