H.E Atadjan Movlamov
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan
Talking points by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan On a round table “Central Asia & Pakistan connectivity: efforts & prospects” by COPAIR & Pakistan in the World , 29 August 2025, Islamabad
I thank the organizers of today’s event Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan, President, Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), and Mr. Tazeen Akhtar, Editor, Pakistan in the World, and their teams for inviting us to this discussion on the important topic: “Central Asia & Pakistan Connectivity, Efforts & Prospects”.
It is an honour for me to address this esteemed gathering and to speak about initiatives that reflect our shared vision for regional integration, prosperity, and sustainable development.
We all recognize that greater regional integration accelerates progress within our countries and enhances our collective ability to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In this context, I would like to highlight an important initiative – the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project.
The project will transport natural gas from Turkmenistan, specifically from the Galkynysh gas field, whose reserves are independently estimated at 27 trillion cubic meters, through Afghanistan and Pakistan, and onwards to India, covering a total length of 1,840 kilometers.
Of the total route, approximately 1,635 kilometers will run through Afghanistan and Pakistan. The project will be implemented in accordance with the highest international standards.
First Intergovernmental Agreements on TAPI project were signed in 2010. Since that time, the participating parties have undertaken substantial work and concluded numerous key agreements – each reflecting the mutual interests of all stakeholders and aimed at ensuring the project’s stable and sustainable operation.
In June 2023, Turkmengas SC and the Ministry of Energy of Pakistan signed the Joint Implementation Plan for the accelerated implementation of the TAPI Gas Pipeline Project. In accordance with this Plan, negotiations are ongoing with the relevant government agencies of Pakistan on several draft Agreements.
Currently, significant progress has been made in developing a full-fledged Host Government Agreement.
For the entire region, TAPI offers transformative potential. It will deliver reliable and clean energy from Turkmenistan’s vast reserves to the growing economies of South Asia, while promoting regional stability through economic interdependence.
Implementation of the TAPI Gas Pipeline Project has significant advantages that make it a priority for all stakeholders. In particular, for Pakistan and the region as a whole, this gas pipeline will:
1- Enhance Pakistan’s energy security;
2- Provide access to a reliable and competitive source of natural gas, which will contribute to the sustainable development of the country’s economy and industry;
3- Pakistan will receive stable income from transit fees, which will strengthen the state budget and create additional financial resources;
4- The project is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities, not only during construction but also through associated industries and long-term operations.
5- Reduce the level of poverty by providing the population with cheap and affordable energy, which will also create preconditions for the growth of small and medium businesses;
6- Contribute to strengthening regional stability and security;
7- Pakistan can greatly benefit from the cleaner-burning natural gas that TAPI will provide. It presents a safer, more affordable and environmentally sound alternative to coal and diesel-based power generation.
In particular, Pakistan stands to gain significantly.
Beyond economic and energy benefits, TAPI is a symbol of connectivity and cooperation. It promotes dialogue, encourages trust, and shows that shared infrastructure can be the foundation for shared peace and prosperity. In today’s world of energy insecurity, shifting geopolitics, and urgent environmental challenges, regional projects like TAPI stand out as beacons of hope and rational collaboration.
As a cornerstone of regional cooperation, the TAPI project embodies the collective aspiration of our countries to build bridges of energy, trade, and trust. It is not merely a pipeline – it is a strategic corridor of cooperation that brings together Central and South Asia in pursuit of mutual progress.
Along with TAPI gas pipeline from the border of Turkmenistan, across the Afghanistan and Pakistan 1635 km of fibre-optic line will be laid. It will conduct the monitoring of gas pipeline and can provide communication data of Europe, Asia and South-East Asia.
The TAPI gas pipeline is accompanied by the TAP power transmission project, which plays a vital supporting role. This project will not only supply electricity to the TAPI pipeline and its associated facilities, but also enable the export of electric power through Afghanistan to Pakistan. The transmission line is expected to reach Pakistan’s Balochistan province, a region with significant and growing energy demand.
Neutral Turkmenistan has long pursued a constructive foreign policy, fostering cooperation with its neighbours and contributing to peace through economic and humanitarian support.
In addition to what I have already said, I would like to highlight Turkmenistan’s efforts and achievements in developing regional connectivity, with particular emphasis on projects towards Pakistan:
We have two railway connections with Afghanistan:
1- Serhetabad (Turkmenistan) – Turgundi (Afghanistan)
2- Imam-Nazar (Turkmenistan) – Akina (Afghanistan) and further – Andhoi.
So Afghanistan now integrated with Turkmenistan’s rail network which forms a crucial part of the Lapis-Lazuli Corridor, enhancing trade and transit capacity in the region.
Four power transmission lines to the 5 northern provinces of Afghanistan (last 500 kV power transmission line along the Kerki (Turkmeinstan) – Sheberghan (Afghanistan) route was inaugurated in January 2021).
Two fiber-optic communication lines along the Ymamnazar–Aqina and Serhetabat–Torghundi corridors, which are critical for the development of Afghanistan’s digital infrastructure and regional internet connectivity.
Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
I would also like to highlight the successful convening of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), held from 5 to 8 August 2025 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone of Turkmenistan. This global event underscored the challenges faced by landlocked nations and the importance of developing reliable transit and transport corridors to ensure access to global markets.
The Forum was attended by heads of state and government, high-ranking officials from over 100 countries, about 50 international organizations, representatives of over 20 leading companies, and a number of representatives of civil society. Over 160 media representatives from about 40 countries gathered in Avaza to widely cover the significant event.
Avaza Political Declaration & Avaza Action Programme
The agenda included a number of forums, high-level roundtable meetings held within the framework of the international Conference, as well as consideration of the draft Avaza Political Declaration and the announcement of the Avaza Action Programme.
It was noted that two important documents are intended to become a Roadmap for the coming decade.
The Avaza Action Program for 2024-2034, along with specific measures to modernize the transport and transit system, diversify economies, intensify digital transformation, increase resilience to climate change, and attract investment, provides for the creation of a platform for inclusive and sustainable development in all landlocked developing countries.
The Avaza Political Declaration, as an expression of unity and solidarity, reaffirms the shared commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the promotion of multilateral partnerships and the full integration of landlocked developing countries into the global economy.
For the landlocked countries of Central Asia, Pakistan plays a vital role in providing access to the sea. Through its ports, transport infrastructure and regional connectivity initiatives, Pakistan serves as a critical gateway for trade and cooperation between Central and South Asia.
An excellent level of bilateral political relations between Turkmenistan and Pakistan has been achieved due to an active political dialogue established in a highest political level. This dialogue contributes to the preservation of the spirit of mutual understanding, support and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
It is necessary to state that positions of our countries on main issues of world politics are very close. Foremost among them are issues of ensuring peace, stability, security and sustainable development.
In conclusion, I reaffirm Turkmenistan’s unwavering commitment to regional development, energy cooperation and connectivity. The TAPI project, along with our continued efforts to strengthen transit corridors and international partnerships, will pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous future for our region.
I invite you to join me in seizing this moment – not merely to construct pipelines, railways, and power lines, but to lay the foundations of opportunity, to restore trust, and to build a shared and enduring future for generations yet to come.
