Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidiqov and Defence Attaché Lt Col Sadullah Tashmatov celebrated the 28th Armed Forces Day of Uzbekistan with colourful shows by Uzbek performers and the Uzbek Military Troupe.

The event was attended by a diverse group of Pakistanis, diplomats and Uzbek nationals including civil and military officials, journalists and academics.

The guests were enchanted by performances by young Uzbek children wearing traditional garb and an Uzbek army officer’s rendition of the Pakistani song Chanda Karaysalam, Suraj Karaysalam.

Ambassador Sidiqov expressed his delight at being able to share Uzbek culture and cuisine with the guests in keeping with the warm bilateral relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He shared that the relations between the two had reached new heights and would continue to grow for years to come.

The Uzbek Pilaf, a lamb and rice creation similar to the local pulao was greatly appreciated by the Pakistani palate as was the effort to learn and perform Pakistani music.

Envoy for completion of TAPI project in 2 years

Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov said on Thursday that he hopes formalities around the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline are completed so the project can be constructed in two years.

Speaking at a press briefing to announce celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the neutrality of Turkmenistan, he said: “We appreciate the Pakistani government and the people for supporting neutrality status of Turkmenistan.

“Pakistan was one of the co-sponsors of resolution of UN on permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan in December 1995. Relations with Pakistan from the first day of our independence have been going.”

He said joint projects such as the TAPI gas pipeline, laying fibre optics to establish better communication and the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan power line project were examples of strengthening ties between the people of both countries.

“These projects offer a win-win situation to both countries. The leadership of Turkmenistan is keen on enhancing these relations for greater benefits for people of the two nations,” Ambassador Movlamov said, going on to share his government’s initiatives to save the Aral Sea.

A documentary was also screened depicting life in Turkmenistan.

Representatives of the business community who attended the briefing were also in favour of joint ventures with Turkmenistan and greater access to Central Asian states.

They suggested more interactions between the people of the two countries at social and cultural levels.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2020