TAPI to benefit region: FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi

ASHGABAT: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline (TAPI) will be beneficial for the entire region, with Afghanistan alone earning $1 billion as transit fee and royalty.

Talking to the media following his meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the foreign minister said the project was expected to create 2,000 new employment avenues with immense opportunities.

The foreign minister mentioned that the TAPI project was discussed in detail with the Turkmen president, wherein he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance “economic connect” through various projects including TAPI.

He expressed satisfaction over the recent views by Afghanistan intent to favour the implementation of TAPI project.

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Pleased to call on President #GurbangulyBerdimukhammedov today in Ashgabat. I reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance our economic connect through various projects including TAPI. Also shared imp of a peaceful #Afghanistan & the need to continue close coordination.
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— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 26, 2021

Qureshi mentioned the warm sentiments expressed by the President of Turkmenistan for Pakistan.

Commenting on Afghanistan’s evolving situation, he said Pakistan emphasised on the proposal of collective efforts of neighbouring countries to find a way out to peace.

“Any instability would have a negative impact on Pakistan and other neighbours,” he added.

Qureshi shared that convening of a meeting of foreign ministers from neighboring states to discuss the Afghan situation was being deliberated upon.

He said Pakistan and Turkmenistan would continue collaboration with special representatives from both sides to hold meetings on strengthening ties.

President Gurbanguly welcomed Foreign Minister Qureshi and remarked that Turkmenistan considered Pakistan an important country.

He reaffirmed that Turkmenistan was ready to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interests. He also appreciated the foreign minister’s visit to the region to forge common regional approach on the situation in Afghanistan.

Later, FM Qureshi led delegation-level talks from Pakistan side with Turkmenistan, focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation in energy, human resources and other areas.

Qureshi arrived in Turkmenistan on the third leg of his four-nation tour.

The visit is the part of Pakistan’s efforts to hold consultations with the neighbouring states on the evolving situation of Afghanistan.

At the Ashgabat Airport, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkmenistan Irfan Ahmed and senior officials of Turkmenistan foreign ministry received the foreign minister.