OREANDA-NEWS. December 10, 2010. New step to develop traditional relations of friendship and mutually advantageous cooperation.

Today, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has arrived on a working visit to Turkmenistan. During the visit the distinguished guest will participate in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Summit, which will launch the implementation of the project for the construction of the large energy facility – the TAPI transnational gas pipeline.

However, this visit and the upcoming bilateral top level talks in Ashgabat are to add a new chapter to the history of the traditionally friendly Turkmen-Pakistani relations and fill them with a qualitatively new content as consistent with to the modern realities and potential of international cooperation.

The constructive dialogue between the two friendly countries can be rightfully called a bright illustration of the success of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy based on positive neutrality, peace, good neighbourliness and aimed at developing mutually advantageous partnership with all nations of the planet, including Asian countries.

Putting steadily and consistently this policy initiated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov into practice, Turkmenistan takes much effort to strengthen existing fruitful relations and stands always ready to lend a helping hand to its neighbours in tough times. As is known, standing steadfast to the ideals of humanism, mercy and kindness our country sent the humanitarian cargo this August to Pakistan, which had suffered from a severe flooding, which had caused numerous casualties and destruction. This noble action drew a wide response in the friendly state and was accepted with sincere gratitude by the people and the leadership of Pakistan.

It should be noted that the Turkmen-Pakistani dialogue has been significantly intensified in recent years through the goodwill of the two states demonstrating the mutual commitment to full cooperation in the bilateral format as well as in the framework of international organisations. Certainly, an essential factor in this regard is relationships based on mutual understanding and confidence between the leaders of the two countries, who attach great importance to interstate cooperation.

Thus, the priority issues of Turkmen-Pakistani partnership in the promising fields were a focus of the meeting between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari in March 2009 in Tehran in the framework of the 10th Summit of the Organization for Economic Cooperation. Paying particular attention to cooperation in the strategic energy sector, the leaders reaffirmed that Turkmenistan and Pakistan were committed to implement the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.

The implementation of this large-scale infrastructure project considered by both countries a shining example of long-term regional cooperation was a key theme of the telephone conversation held this September between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Focusing on the timeliness of the Turkmen leader’s initiative to build of the transnational gas pipeline, President Asif Ali Zardari said that this project had been ardently welcomed in his country. In this regard it should be emphasized that Pakistan fully supports international initiatives out forward by the Turkmen state, including those on global energy security.

The commitment of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the TAPI project is illustrated by the active participation of the delegation of this country in the Technical Working Group and the Steering Committee of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India. As is known, these structures aim their activities to advance the implementation of the project of strategic importance for enormous economic benefits it will bring and a contribution it will make to addressing urgent social problems. Furthermore, the future energy bridge will serve the purpose of strengthening peace, security and stability across the Asian continent. Therefore, it is deeply symbolic that the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Summit will take place on the eve of the great national holiday – the 15th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan.

Thus, this visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan and the top level talks in Ashgabat are to give new incentives to develop further the constructive political dialogue, expand and diversify trade and economic cooperation and enhance traditional cultural and humanitarian contacts between the two friendly countries, whose peoples are bound with centuries-old historical and cultural affinities and the aspiration for peace and prosperity.