Islamabad, November 6,2026: Turkmenistan has emphasised the need to strengthen its bilateral relations with Pakistan, particularly in energy cooperation, trade, transport and regional connectivity, with major projects such as the TAPI gas pipeline and TAP electricity transmission initiative offering significant opportunities for both countries.
Addressing a press conference at the Embassy of Turkmenistan on Friday, Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries as Turkmenistan marks the 35th anniversary of its independence in 2026.
He said energy cooperation remained a key pillar of bilateral relations, highlighting the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) electricity transmission project as important regional initiatives.
The ambassador said the TAPI pipeline was designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field, which has estimated reserves of approximately 27 trillion cubic metres, to South Asian markets.
He said the project could help Pakistan diversify its energy supplies, strengthen energy security and meet the growing requirements of its industrial, commercial and domestic sectors.
He also highlighted the TAP electricity transmission project, which envisages supplying electricity through Afghanistan to Pakistan, with a potential capacity of up to 3,000 megawatts.
In addition, a proposed 1,635-kilometre fibre-optic communication line along the regional pipeline corridor could improve digital and telecommunications connectivity among participating countries.
Referring to developments in regional infrastructure, Ambassador Movlamov said construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section of the TAPI pipeline began in September 2024.
Work also commenced on the Turgundi-Sanabar railway section, while the Nur-ul-Jihad power substation in Afghanistan’s Herat Province was commissioned under the first phase of the TAP project.
He recalled the October 2025 visit of Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Afghanistan, during which the next stage of the Serhetabat-Herat gas pipeline was officially launched.
The ambassador also referred to high-level Turkmen-Afghan talks in August 2026, where the two sides discussed the TAPI pipeline, regional transport corridors and wider economic cooperation. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkmenistan’s State Concern Türkmengaz and Afghanistan’s State Corporation Afghan Gas.
Ambassador Movlamov said Pakistan was an important partner in Turkmenistan’s strategy to expand access to South Asian markets and diversify its energy export routes.
He said cooperation in energy, railway networks, transport infrastructure and telecommunications could create new opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and economic integration.
Emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts, he said successful implementation of the regional projects would require continued cooperation among all participating countries, effective coordination and the mobilisation of investment.
The ambassador expressed confidence that TAPI and TAP, together with railway and digital connectivity initiatives, could contribute to regional economic development, energy security and stronger links between Central and South Asia.
The press conference was organised as part of the Embassy’s briefing for Pakistani media on Turkmenistan’s national achievements in 2026 and its expanding cooperation with regional and international partners.
