ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan agreed on Wednesday to fast-track a major pipeline project that will allow the Central Asian state to supply natural gas to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan, thereby enhancing economic activity across the region and benefiting all involved countries.
The understanding between the two states was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik and Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Rasit Meredow who arrived on a two-day visit to Islamabad on Tuesday.
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline will originate from Galkynysh, the world’s second-biggest gas field, and end at the Indian city of Fazilka near the Pakistan border.
If the project is implemented, it will help Turkmenistan supply about 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas each year along a route covering a distance of over 1,800 kilometers.
According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division, Pakistan and Turkmenistan are working to “expedite” the pipeline project.
“TAPI pipeline project will lower energy costs, which can boost industrial growth, create jobs and foster economic development,” it quoted Pakistan’s petroleum minister as saying during the meeting. “Reliable and affordable energy supplies are vital for industrial sectors and overall economic stability.”
“This project, aimed at fostering economic integration and energy security, has witnessed substantial progress through collaborative efforts,” he continued, stressing the importance of continued engagement between the two countries.
Malik added Pakistan was fully committed to the project which was vital for regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development.
The visiting dignitary expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended to his delegation by the Pakistani authorities.
“Together we will chalk out a roadmap for cooperation between both countries,” he added.
The meeting was also attended by the CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited.
Other participants of the meeting emphasized the project’s strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic growth and meeting the energy demands of participating nations.
The TAPI project was envisaged in the early 1990s and officially agreed upon in December 2010.
It has primarily been delayed due to security concerns, geopolitical tensions, funding challenges and bureaucratic hurdles.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan agree to fast-track gas pipeline project involving Afghanistan and India
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Pakistan and Turkmenistan agree to fast-track gas pipeline project involving Afghanistan and India
- TAPI pipeline project was envisaged in the early 1990s and officially agreed upon in December 2010
- It has been primarily delayed due to security concerns, funding challenges and bureaucratic hurdles
Pakistan chief of defense forces discusses regional developments, cooperation with UAE’s national security adviser
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir meets UAE’s National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi
- Both sides discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in economic collaboration, trade and investment, says Pakistan military
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met UAE’s National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday, during which the two sides discussed regional developments and bilateral economic and investment cooperation, the Pakistani military’s media wing said.
The meeting took place as tensions surge between Washington and Tehran. Both nations renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks take place as Washington deploys warships, including a second aircraft carrier, to the Middle East region as mediators work to prevent a war.
Munir met Sheikh Tahnoon, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, in the UAE capital. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in economic collaboration, trade and investment, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
“They also exchanged views on regional developments and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to promote peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR said.
Munir appreciated the UAE government for its longstanding investments and continued support to Pakistan’s economy over the decades, the military said. He noted that such support reflects the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir further affirmed that the security and stability of the United Arab Emirates are an integral part of Pakistan’s own security, given the enduring historical relations and strong strategic partnership between the two countries,” the military’s media wing said.
“He reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to continuing joint efforts to further strengthen this partnership in all fields, in a manner that serves the interests of both brotherly peoples and contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”
Pakistan enjoys close ties with the UAE, which along with other friendly nations, has provided Islamabad critical financial assistance over the past couple of years as it grapples with a macroeconomic crisis.
Millions of Pakistanis live and work in the UAE, forming one of the largest expatriate communities in the Gulf state. Remittances from the UAE rank among Pakistan’s top sources of foreign currency inflows and play a significant role in supporting the country’s external accounts.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari last month went to the UAE on an official visit during which he met senior members of the government there as well as businesspersons to discuss bilateral trade, investment and security cooperation.
