Pakistani PM to visit central Asian states focusing on energy cooperation

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan on May 20-22 for bilateral talks, focusing on energy cooperation, an official announcement said Tuesday.

A few MoUs/Agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit to both Central Asian states, the Foreign Ministry said.

During the first leg of his visit, the prime minister will hold tete-a-tete with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan that would be followed by delegation-level talks.

The main focus of the meeting would be to review the whole range of bilateral relations, including TAPI Gas pipeline project and energy security, economy, trade and commerce, education, defence, science and technology, culture and regional as well as global issues of mutual concern, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

On Thursday, the prime minister will visit Bishkek. He will hold meeting with the Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev.

During the delegation-level talks the two sides will discuss issues of mutual cooperation in various fields.

The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan greatly values close, friendly and historical relations with the Central Asian Republics and is keen to further strengthen these ties with them in all fields especially energy security and connectivity.

"The cooperation among Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan is important for energy security and stability in the region to enable gas and oil pipelines, electricity transmission, air and road connectivity and trade," the Foreign Ministry said.

The prime minister's entourage will include Cabinet members and senior officials.

"The visit of the prime minister to Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan will provide an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. The visit would take this process forward, advancing the shared goals of peace, stability and development in the region," it said. Endi