ISLAMABAD: The Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, said on Friday that his country was willing to provide electricity to Pakistan.

During a meeting between Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Mohammad Asif and Mr Meredov here, it was decided that a joint working group would meet in October to prepare feasibility of some projects. Turkmenistan is rich in electricity generation by gas thermal plants.

Khawaja Asif said that cooperation in the energy sector would strengthen geopolitical relations between the two countries. Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoyed brotherly ties and common heritage, he added.

He welcomed Turkmenistan’s offer, adding that Pakistan would pursue energy-related projects on the fast-track basis.

The minister said proposals presented by Turkmenistan were workable and a dedicated transmission line could be installed to meet the energy needs of the country.

Gas project

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkmenistan reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline project and decided to accelerate efforts for its implementation.

The project was reviewed during the two-day fourth session of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Joint Governmental Commission that concluded here on Friday.

The inaugural session was co-chaired by Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.

The two sides discussed possibilities of expansion of cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

They agreed to hold the first meeting of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Working Group on Trade Development and Joint Business Forum before the end of 2014.

They expressed interest in exchange of expertise in the sphere of seed farming of crops and quality assessment of cotton seeds. A meeting of joint working group on agriculture will be held later this year.

The two countries agreed on the necessity of cooperation in the field of road transport and possibility of conclusion of the draft agreement between the two sides on transit traffic.

According to another agreement, they will establish a joint working group on transport to strengthen regional connectivity and realise the vision of a transport corridor.

Pakistan and Turkmenistan will also increase cooperation in the industrial sector, particularly textile goods and production of leather items. Discussions will be held on air services agreement for expanding air links between the two countries.

During the two-day session intensive discussions were held between experts of the two sides on different subjects, including trade, commerce, energy, agriculture and other matters of mutual interest.

Published in Dawn, Aug 9th, 2014