Zardari seeks trade ties with Turkmenistan

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday underlined the importance of increasing economic cooperation and business-to-business relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

He also called for greater linkages between the stock exchanges of the two brotherly countries to improve economic cooperation.

The president expressed these views while talking to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, who along with Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov, called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

Welcoming the delegation, the president said that Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Turkmenistan, which were based on common values, religion and culture.

He called for working together for the shared prosperity and stability in the region and the betterment of the people of Pakistan and Turkmenistan.

The president also affirmed Pakistan's commitment to the early completion of the TAPI Gas pipeline project, adding that the project would greatly help in the economic development of the two countries.

Rashid Meredov thanked the president for participation in the International Forum on the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Magtymguli Faragi in Ashgabat, saying that it was a great gesture of respect for the Turkmen people.

He also conveyed the special greetings of President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to President Asif Ali Zardari.

The President thanked the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers/Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov for his participation in the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization being held in Islamabad.

Pak-Russia to boost banking sector cooperation

Pakistan and Russia agreed on Wednesday on bilateral exchanges to enhance people to people relations and an increased cooperation among the banking sectors of the two countries to facilitate trade and investment.

During a bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister House on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, decided to maintain close cooperation on all areas of mutual interest.

Both prime ministers noted the positive momentum in bilateral relations over the last two decades. They also agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in the areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.

According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening political, economic, and defense ties with the Russian Federation.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Shehbaz also thanked Russia for supporting Pakistan's BRICS membership bid, marking a step toward deeper collaboration on the global stage.