Ashgabat forum gives fresh impetus to Pakistan-Turkmenistan connectivity agenda
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and leaders attending the International Forum, visited the iconic Neutrality Monument in Ashgabat on Friday, marking a key moment in diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
During the visit, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the monument, symbolizing respect for Turkmenistan’s long-standing commitment to neutrality and peace.
Later, the Prime Minister is expected to attend the International Forum. The forum, attended by high-level representatives from around the world, aims to promote global peace, stability and cooperation through dialogue and shared initiatives.
PTV, the state television channel, also broadcast the visit and published images on X.
براہِ راست:وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اشک آباد میں یادگارِ غیر جانبداری پہنچ گئے۔
– Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 12, 2025
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov played a central role in organizing the event, reflecting Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts, as declared by the United Nations designation of 2025 as the Ashgabat-initiated International Year of Peace and Trust.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed issues of common interest.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Turkmen President on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire to strengthen connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said the ports of Karachi and Gwadar were ideally located for use by the Turkmen side to strengthen its outreach to South Asia and beyond.
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The Prime Minister arrived in Ashgabat for a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, on December 11-12, 2025.
He was accompanied by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other cabinet members and senior government officials.
