ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan – December 12, 2025
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif successfully concluded an official two-day visit to Turkmenistan, utilizing the trip to participate in a high-profile international forum and reinforce bilateral economic ties. The forum marked the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutral Status and the UN’s International Year of Peace and Trust 2025.
🤝 Strategic Dialogue: Unlocking Transit Potential
The centerpiece of the visit was the bilateral meeting between PM Sharif and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Pakistani delegation focused heavily on maximizing the transit and trade partnership between the two nations.
- Maritime Access: The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s strategic offering, actively promoting its Karachi and Gwadar ports as the shortest and most effective maritime outlets for Turkmenistan. He stressed that their utilization would significantly enhance Turkmen trade access to South Asia and global markets, thereby boosting regional economic integration.
- Economic & Energy Commitments: Both heads of government expressed a renewed commitment to accelerating cooperation in core areas, including trade, energy, and the economy. They specifically underscored the importance of advancing key infrastructure projects such as the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) Gas Pipeline and regional electricity grid connections, recognizing their vital importance to Pakistan’s energy security.
- Strengthening Diplomatic Rapport: PM Sharif expressed appreciation to the Turkmen leadership for their support in facilitating the safe repatriation of Pakistani citizens from Iran earlier this year amidst regional tensions. He also took the opportunity to extend invitations to President Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for official visits to Islamabad next year, aiming to maintain momentum in high-level exchanges.
🌐 Participation in Neutrality Forum
The Prime Minister’s attendance at the International Forum provided a multilateral platform to endorse Turkmenistan’s foreign policy of permanent neutrality, which Pakistan views as a constructive force for regional peace. The visit culminated with PM Sharif joining other global dignitaries for a ceremony at the Monument of Neutrality.
The outcome of the visit signals Pakistan’s unwavering focus on its ‘Connect Central Asia’ initiative, transforming its geographical position into a practical trade and transit bridge for its Central Asian partners.
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