Pakistani FM leaves for Turkmenistan to discuss gas line, trade ties

Islamabad, April 19 (Xinhua-ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has left for Turkmenistan to discuss the multibillion gas pipeline, import of 1000-MW electricity and other issues to boost trade, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

The foreign minister would lead Pakistan delegation to the Turkmenistan-Pakistan Joint Governmental Commission (JGC) at Ashgabat, in her capacity as co-chair from the Pakistan side.

The JGC reviews the entire range of bilateral agenda between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said.

The meeting would focus on Turkmenistan-Pakistan-Afghanistan- India (TAPI) gas pipelines project, possibility of import of 1000- MW electricity from Turkmenistan, bilateral trade and investment, issues related to transit, establishment of communication links, expansion of cooperation in agriculture, human resource capacity building, culture and tourism.

The two sides would also discuss cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics and other security related issues, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The Pakistan delegation comprises senior officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Petroleum and Natural Resources, Economic Affairs Division and a representative of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries.

It would be the third JGC session. The first session of Pakistan-Turkmenistan JGC was held in Ashgabat in August 2009. The second session was held in Islamabad in August 2010.

From the Turkmen side, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan would be the co-chair. (Xinhua-ANI)