Turkmen President courts Shehbaz, visits Monument of Neutrality

Ashgabat forum gives fresh momentum to Pakistan–Turkmenistan connectivity agenda

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and leaders attending the International Forum, on Friday visited the iconic Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat, marking a key moment in Pakistan–Turkmenistan diplomatic engagement.

During the visit, a floral wreath laying ceremony was held at the monument, symbolising respect for Turkmenistan’s longstanding commitment to neutrality and peace. 

Later, the Prime Minister is scheduled to take part in the International Forum. The forum, attended by high-level representatives from around the world, aims to promote global peace, stability and cooperation through dialogue and shared initiatives.

PTV, the state broadcaster, also aired the visit and posted footage on X.

براہِ راست:وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اشک آباد میں یادگارِ غیر جانبداری پہنچ گئے۔ https://t.co/rhnoljxDt7

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 12, 2025

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has played a central role in hosting the event, reflecting Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts as declared by the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of Ashgabat.

Read: PM Shehbaz departs for two-day official visit to Turkmenistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed matters of mutual interest.

During their warm and cordial meeting, the prime minister congratulated the Turkmen president on the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to enhance connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally located to be utilised by the Turkmen side to enhance their outreach to South Asia and beyond.

Read More: Iraq’s Turkmen gas deal collapses under US pressure

The prime minister arrived in Ashgabat, on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan from 11-12 December 2025.

He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other members of the cabinet and senior government officials.