Appearing from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad & Quetta

Friday, August 7, 2009, Sha'aban 15, 1430

Naek for closer economic ties with Turkmenistan

Muhamma Arshad

Islamabad—Terming the signing of protocol between Turkmenistan and Pakistan for supply of gas as an encouraging development on the economic front, Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek has called for similar arrangement with regard to supply of electricity from Turkmenistan to Pakistan to overcome the current shortage in the country. He was talking to the Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Mr. Sapar Berdiniyazov, who called on him at the Parliament House on Thursday.

The Chairman Senate said the Central Asian Republics (CARs) like Turkmenistan are endowed with immense economic potential particularly in the form of energy and there is a need to exploit the same for the socio-economic uplift of not only these states but also for economic development of friendly countries, which can be benefited tremendously from this wealth. He urged that economic cooperation between the two countries is most desirable as well as need of the hour.

Economic integration of the region would bring prosperity for all of us”, said the Chairman. He also expressed the view that there should be frequent exchange of delegations not only from the economic side but also traders, Parliamentarians, youth and students. Such exchanges, he said would bring people of the two countries closer to each others and also help study and understand each other’s system. The Chairman also invited the Speaker of the Turkmen National Assembly to undertake a visit to Pakistan.

Reciprocity needed to further upgrade and promote existing close and cordial relations”, he observed. Endorsing the idea, the Turkmen Ambassador said the recent visit of Pakistani high powered delegation to Turkmenistan is a welcome development of far reaching consequences. It provides a solid foundation for further expanding and consolidating economic relations between the two countries, he added. He hoped that the next meeting for promoting economic cooperation between the two countries scheduled to be held in Islamabad later this year would further accelerate this process He said the two countries must also promote their cultural relations. He also extended heartiest felicitations to Mr. Farooq H. Naek on assuming the prestigious office of Chairman, Senate of Pakistan.

Editor Foreign Affairs:

Editor:

Executive Editor:

GM Marketing:

Karachi

Lahore

Peshawar