Turkmenistan's Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Atadjan Movlamov has said that his country's relations with Pakistan are of significant importance for the region as well as for the two countries. "The particular emphasis is on the growing strategic importance of bilateral cooperation, identifying energy, trade, transport and regional connectivity as key areas with considerable potential."
Addressing a news conference at his mission here Friday, he said: "At the centre of this partnership is the TAPI gas pipeline, an ambitious regional energy project designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan's Galkynysh field through Afghanistan to Pakistan and beyond.
The field is estimated to contain approximately 27 trillion cubic metres of natural gas, making it a major resource for supporting regional energy security and economic development." Movlamov was of the view that the project could provide an opportunity to diversify energy supplies, improve energy security, support industrial growth and generate new economic opportunities.
Its successful implementation would also strengthen energy cooperation and create greater economic interdependence among participating countries, the envoy said. The Turkmenistan ambassador emphasised complementary infrastructure projects that could further enhance regional connectivity.
These include a proposed 1,635-kilometre fibre-optic communication line along the TAPI pipeline corridor, with a planned transmission capacity of up to 100 Gbps, and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) electricity transmission project, which envisages exporting up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity to Pakistan through Afghanistan, he added.
"Together, these initiatives could help Pakistan strengthen its energy and telecommunications infrastructure while opening new opportunities for regional trade, investment and economic integration. Improved transport and railway links between the two countries could further facilitate commercial exchanges and connect Central Asian markets with South Asia," he added.
Ambassador Movlamov reminded that Turkmenistan was marking the 35th anniversary of its independence this year with a renewed focus on national development, international diplomacy, economic cooperation and regional connectivity, reflecting its growing role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity across Central Asia and beyond.
The envoy highlighted that the diplomatic mission remains committed to fostering these ties through consistent dialogue and high-level visits. He noted that the current geopolitical landscape necessitates closer cooperation between Central and South Asian nations to ensure sustainable growth.
He further remarked that the TAPI project is not merely a pipeline but a symbol of regional integration that transcends borders. By fostering shared economic interests, the project aims to mitigate risks and promote a stable environment conducive to long-term investment.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador expressed optimism regarding the future of Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations. He stated that the ongoing efforts to streamline visa processes and trade regulations would further bolster the partnership, ensuring that the benefits of these mega-projects reach the common people of both nations.
The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected region, where energy security serves as the bedrock for industrial and social advancement.