OREANDA-NEWS. September 1, 2010. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari had a telephone conversation.

During the conversation the leaders of the friendly states heartily and cordially congratulated each other and peoples of the two countries on the coming holiday of Oraza Bayramy. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished strength to overcome effects of natural disaster, prosperity and wellbeing to the people of brotherly Pakistan.

In his turn, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Turkmen people and their national leader for humanitarian aid provided to respond to disaster noting that the people of Pakistan would never forget this act of goodwill of fraternal Turkmenistan.

The sides discussed the important aspects of Turkmen-Pakistan relations, which were brought to a qualitatively new level in the present epoch, and exchanged views on international issues of mutual interest.

The sides underscored the significance and scale of joint work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project (TAPI). Focusing on the importance of this large-scale energy project for economic advancement of both countries, the sides mentioned it as a shining example of long-term regional cooperation.

In this context, the leaders welcomed the signing of the quadripartite framework agreement that would facilitate implementing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project that had recently taken place in Kabul.

The President of Pakistan said that the Turkmen leader’s initiative to build the transcontinental TAPI gas pipeline was timely and relevant. Symbolizing constructive cooperation between friendly nations it was fully consistent with Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy based on the principles of positive neutrality and served the lofty aims of peace and prosperity. President Asif Ali Zardari said that pipeline construction was ardently welcomed by the people and the leadership of Pakistan.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov suggested conducting a meeting of relevant ministers this September that would promote the TAPI project and a meeting of the leaders of four states this December in Ashgabat to discuss the aspects of pipeline construction and adopt an appropriate decision.

The President of Pakistan said that he would certainly delegate the minister in charge of the implementation of the TAPI project to participate in the September meeting in Ashgabat, and that he would be pleased to attend the December meeting of the heads of the states, TAPI project participants.

The sides expressed belief that cooperation based on mutual confidence and understanding would produce new positive results, and friendly Turkmen-Pakistani relations would be further enhanced for the benefit of the two peoples.

In conclusion, the leaders of the states congratulated each other on Oraza Bayramy and expressed the wishes of happiness, wellbeing and prosperity to the peoples of Turkmenistan and Pakistan.