Turkmenistan determined to bolster political dialogue, trade with Pakistan

ASHGABAT. July 29 (Interfax) - Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has approved proposals on promoting trade, economic and energy cooperation with Pakistan, which were presented to him based on the outcomes of a Turkmen delegation's visit to Islamabad.

Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov presented a number of proposals to the president, which were prepared based on the outcomes of negotiations that a Turkmen delegation had during its working visit to Pakistan, Turkmenistan's state news agency said last Saturday.

The Turkmen delegation discussed political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation at a meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Meredov said.

Political consultations held at the level of foreign ministers dealt with the implementation of Turkmenistan's initiative on preparing a global security strategy, Meredov said. The parties also exchanged opinions on relevant items on the international and regional agenda and had an in-depth discussion on advancing the international legal framework of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meredov supported the idea of drawing up and adopting a medium-term program for expanding bilateral trade and economic relations with Pakistan and holding meetings of a joint intergovernmental commission at least twice a year.

He also presented proposals on stepping up cooperation in the energy industry, including the natural gas sector.

Berdimuhamedov acknowledged an upward trend in Turkmen-Pakistan ties and approved the proposals, it said.