The Ashgabat forum gives new impetus to the connectivity agenda between Pakistan and Turkmenistan
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 was held at the monument, symbolizing respect for Turkmenistan’s long-standing commitment to neutrality and peace.
Later, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in 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 broadcaster, also broadcast the visit and posted footage on X.
Description: جانبداری پہنچ گئے۔
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 12, 2025
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has played a central role in organizing the event, reflecting Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts as declared by the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of Ashgabat.
Read: Prime Minister Shehbaz leaves for two-day official visit to Turkmenistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, on Thursday and discussed matters of mutual interest.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Turkmen president on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to improve connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said the ports of Karachi and Gwadar were ideally located to be used by the Turkmen side to enhance its reach to South Asia and beyond.
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The Prime Minister arrived in Ashgabat, on 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 from December 11 to 12, 2025.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other cabinet members and senior government officials.
