ASHGABAT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered Turkmenistan access to Karachi and Gwadar ports to expand its trade routes into South Asia and beyond.
The proposal was made during a bilateral meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat, where the two leaders discussed connectivity, economic cooperation and regional stability.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s intention to strengthen transport and trade links with Turkmenistan through both land and maritime corridors.
The Pakistani premier highlighted the strategic location of Karachi and Gwadar ports, noting that their geography provides a valuable gateway for regional markets. He stated that Turkmenistan could use the two ports to increase its commercial outreach to South Asia as well as wider international destinations. Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s broader vision of deepening connectivity across Central and South Asia through efficient and secure transit routes.
During the meeting, Sharif congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality. He also commended the United Nations decision to designate 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Emphasising the longstanding historical and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of reinforcing bilateral relations, particularly in trade and economic cooperation.
Sharif expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan’s assistance earlier this year when Pakistan evacuated its citizens from Iran amid the Iran-Israel conflict. He praised the Turkmen leadership for its timely cooperation and the hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation during the current visit.
The prime minister conveyed his best wishes for Turkmenistan’s National Leader, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and reiterated his invitation for both the National Leader and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year. President Berdimuhamedov thanked Sharif for participating in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and appreciated the Prime Minister’s visit to Ashgabat.
President Berdimuhamedov affirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across several sectors of shared importance. Both leaders expressed readiness to explore additional avenues for strengthening ties between the two countries.
