Ashgabat forum gives new momentum to Pakistan-Turkmenistan connectivity agenda
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and leaders attending the international forum, on Friday visited the iconic monument of neutrality in Ashgabat, marking a key moment in the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
During the visit, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the monument, which symbolizes 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 joint initiatives.
PTV, the state broadcaster, also broadcast the visit and posted footage on X.
براحِ راست:وزیرِ عزام محمد شهباز شريف من اشت اباد من يدگرِ غیر د کیلی
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 12, 2025
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has played a central role in hosting the event, reflecting Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts as declared by the UN’s 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 on Thursday met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed issues 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’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to improve connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes, the Prime Minister said that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally placed to be used by the Turkmen side to increase their outreach 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 Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality from 11-12. December 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 members of the Cabinet and senior government officials.
