ISLAMABAD — Pakistan co-sponsored the United Nations General Assembly resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani said during a meeting with Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Gilani made the remarks while receiving Atadjan Movlamov at the Parliament House, where both sides discussed strengthening parliamentary, economic and regional cooperation between the two countries.
The Senate chairman said Pakistan and Turkmenistan share cordial and brotherly relations rooted in mutual respect, shared cultural links and longstanding cooperation. He recalled his official visit to Turkmenistan in May last year, during which he met President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and other senior leaders. He said the engagements helped deepen understanding and opened new avenues for collaboration.
Support for neutrality and diplomatic ties
Gilani noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence in 1991, with formal diplomatic relations established in May 1992. He reiterated Islamabad’s consistent support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality, including Pakistan’s role as co-sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution endorsing that status.
Referring to recent high-level exchanges, he highlighted visits by Pakistan’s president, prime minister and deputy prime minister to Turkmenistan. He also mentioned the prime minister’s participation in the United Nations International Forum of Peace and Trust in December 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. On the sidelines of the forum, Pakistan’s prime minister held a bilateral meeting with President Berdimuhamedow to discuss expanding economic cooperation.
An invitation has been extended to the Turkmen president to visit Pakistan in 2026, Gilani said, expressing confidence that the visit would further enhance bilateral ties and people-to-people contacts.
Focus on energy and regional connectivity
The Senate chairman described Turkmenistan as strategically important for Pakistan, particularly in energy cooperation, trade and investment. He emphasized progress on regional connectivity initiatives, including railway linkages and the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.
Gilani also briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which offers a one-window platform to streamline foreign investment. He invited Turkmenistan to explore opportunities in information technology, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and other priority sectors.
Parliamentary diplomacy and future engagement
Highlighting parliamentary engagement, Gilani referred to the first Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) held in Islamabad under the theme “Peace, Security and Development.” He said parliamentary friendship groups in both countries continue to promote dialogue and legislative cooperation.
Following Pakistan’s general elections in February 2024, new parliamentary friendship groups with Turkmenistan were formed in both houses of parliament, he added. He emphasized the importance of regular delegation exchanges and joint initiatives to strengthen cooperation on regional and global issues.
Ambassador Movlamov appreciated Pakistan’s continued support and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration in political, economic and cultural fields. He expressed optimism about progress in energy, railway connectivity, transit trade and regional projects, including through Gwadar Port.
Gilani concluded by reiterating that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Turkmenistan and remains committed to translating goodwill into tangible and mutually beneficial outcomes.
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