Tapi to benefit entire region: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline was beneficial for the entire region, with Afghanistan alone to get $1 billion as transit fee and royalty.

Talking to the media following his meeting with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the foreign minister said the project was expected to create 2,000 new employment opportunities.

Qureshi said the project was discussed in detail with the Turkmen president, wherein he reiterated Pakistan's commitment to enhance "economic connect" through various projects including Tapi.

He expressed satisfaction that the recent views expressed by Afghanistan showed the country's intent to favour the implementation of Tapi project.

On Afghanistan's evolving situation, the foreign minister said Pakistan emphasised called for collective efforts of the neighbouring countries to find a way out to peace.

Any instability would have a negative impact on Pakistan and other neighbours, he added. He said convening a meeting of foreign ministers from neighbouring states to discuss the Afghan situation was under consideration.

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“Pakistan and Turkmenistan will continue to collaborate with special representatives from both the sides and hold meetings for strengthening ties,” Qureshi said.

President Gurbanguly welcomed the foreign minister and maintained that Turkmenistan considered Pakistan an important country.

He reaffirmed that Turkmenistan was ready to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest and appreciated the foreign minister’s visit to the region to forge common regional approach on the situation in Afghanistan.

Later, Qureshi led delegation-level talks focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation in energy, human resources and other areas.