Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat on Thursday to vow stronger Pakistan Turkmenistan bilateral ties. The Shehbaz Sharif Turkmenistan visit, part of a two-day official trip, focused on trade, connectivity, and regional peace. Sharif arrived on Wednesday at the president’s invitation. He leads a delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other ministers. The meeting occurred ahead of the Ashgabat neutrality forum events.
This encounter highlights Pakistan’s push for deeper Central Asian links. It comes as Turkmenistan marks its 30th neutrality anniversary. The UN named 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. Such forums aid South Asia’s stability by fostering neutral diplomacy. Enhanced ties could boost energy routes and counter isolation risks from conflicts like the earlier Iran-Israel war.
Pakistan Turkmenistan Bilateral Ties Gain Momentum
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed historic fraternal relations during the talks. He expressed resolve to bolster economic engagement. “We seek to enhance connectivity through land and sea routes,” Sharif stated, per an official release.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov welcomed the visit. He thanked Sharif for joining the Ashgabat neutrality forum. Berdimuhamedov assured keen interest in multi-sector cooperation. The leaders discussed trade expansion and mutual support.
Sharif conveyed gratitude for Turkmen aid in evacuating Pakistani nationals from Iran. This followed the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict. Over 5,000 Pakistanis returned safely via Turkmen borders. Such gestures underline trust in bilateral frameworks.
The Shehbaz Sharif Turkmenistan visit aligns with Pakistan’s regional vision. It promotes access to Central Asian markets. Turkmenistan’s neutrality status, recognised by the UN in 1995, positions it as a peace bridge. For South Asia, this means secure energy supplies via pipelines like TAPI. The forum draws global leaders to affirm trust-building.
Delegation members joined bilateral huddles. Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari eyed energy pacts. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar handled media outreach. Special Assistant Talha Burki coordinated logistics.
Ashgabat Neutrality Forum Spotlights Peace Efforts
On Friday, Sharif attended key Ashgabat neutrality forum sessions. The event marks the International Day of Neutrality and 2025’s peace theme. Leaders visited the Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat. Sharif laid a wreath there at 10:00 AM local time.
The forum agenda covers dialogue on global trust. Sharif plans side meetings with other heads of state. Topics include sustainable development and conflict resolution. Pakistan views this as a platform to advocate South Asian security.
Turkmen hosts organised cultural displays. Performances highlighted neutrality’s role in diplomacy. Sharif praised the initiative in a forum address. “Neutrality fosters lasting peace,” he noted.
This gathering revives stalled projects. Past talks on rail links stalled due to geopolitics. The Shehbaz Sharif Turkmenistan visit injects fresh impetus. Analysts see it easing Afghanistan transit hurdles.
South Asia benefits from diversified routes. Pakistan’s ports serve as gateways. The forum’s timing aids post-conflict recovery. It signals Turkmenistan’s outreach beyond energy exports.
Gwadar Turkmenistan Ports Emerge as Trade Hubs
A core focus was Gwadar Turkmenistan ports integration. Sharif offered full access to Karachi and Gwadar. These Arabian Sea facilities suit Turkmen goods to South Asia and Africa.
“Gwadar and Karachi ports are ideally located for your outreach,” Sharif told Berdimuhamedov. This builds on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor gains. Gwadar handles 100 million tonnes yearly capacity by 2030.
Turkmenistan exports gas and cotton. Direct port links cut transit costs by 30%. Official data shows bilateral trade at USD 10 million in 2024. Targets aim for USD 500 million by 2028.
The proposal ties to regional corridors. It links Caspian Sea to Indian Ocean. Sharif invited investments in Gwadar free zones. Turkmen firms eye logistics ventures.
This move counters Red Sea disruptions. Pakistan’s ports processed PKR 2.5 trillion in cargo last year. Enhanced Gwadar Turkmenistan ports cooperation promises jobs for 50,000 locals.
Berdimuhamedov reciprocated with port usage invites. Awaza seaside offers tourism ties. Both sides pledged joint feasibility studies by mid-2026.
Background: Evolving Pakistan Turkmenistan Relations
Pakistan and Turkmenistan share cultural roots from Silk Road eras. Diplomatic ties date to 1992. Key milestones include the 2016 TAPI agreement. The pipeline spans 1,800 km for 33 billion cubic metres gas yearly.
Neutrality defines Turkmen policy. It avoids military blocs. Pakistan respects this, seeking economic anchors. The 2025 war aid episode deepened bonds.
Trade remains modest. Pakistan imports Turkmen textiles; exports rice and pharma. Forums like Ashgabat neutrality forum accelerate pacts. Sharif’s prior calls with Berdimuhamedov in March set the stage.
Regional dynamics shift post-2025 conflicts. Connectivity vows address isolation. South Asia gains from stable Central links.
What’s Next for Shehbaz Sharif Turkmenistan Visit Outcomes
The leaders extended invitations for 2026 visits. Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov may travel to Islamabad. Dates suit mutual schedules.
Follow-up committees form on trade and energy. A joint working group meets in Q1 2026. Gwadar Turkmenistan ports talks advance via technical teams.
Sharif wraps the Shehbaz Sharif Turkmenistan visit Friday evening. He returns via bilateral flights. Outcomes feed into Pakistan’s 2026 budget for corridor funds.
This trip sets a template for neutral partnerships. It bolsters South Asia’s economic resilience.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 12th, 2025
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