ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Turkmenistan said Pakistan's priority is to expand trade and economic relations with central Asian countries, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

While talking to the president of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the premier said that there is tremendous potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Turkmenistan in various fields such as trade and economy.

President Berdimuhamedov said that both countries share similar views on regional peace and stability. He added that the two countries can increase cooperation in telecommunication, agriculture and other sectors. He also highlighted the need for more distinguished people-to-people contact between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.

PM Nawaz arrived in Turkeministan's capital Ashgabat today on a two-day official visit. He was received by Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov at the airport.

PM Nawaz is also scheduled to lead delegation-level talks apart from his one-on-one meeting with with Turkmen president.

During the visit, a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) pertaining to trade, bilateral cooperation and economy will also be signed be signed by the leaders.

The Turkmen president will moreover host a dinner in honour of PM Nawaz.

The PM is also scheduled to visit Bishkek and Kyrgyztan tomorrow.

In a pre-departure statement, PM Nawaz said that Pakistan attaches great significance to strengthening its relations with Central Asian nations. He added that the government's vision is to increase trade, energy, road and rail links with Central Asian states.

Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan, Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Mohammad Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are accompanying PM Nawaz on his visit.

Recently, Pakistan signed 51 MoUs with China, six MoUs with Sri Lanka and four with Maldives with the aim of the government to enhance bilateral relations with other Asian countries.