Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 1
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
Pakistan's Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador Abdul Malik has handed his credentials to Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammadov, the message from Turkmen government said June1.
During the meeting, the sides discussed a number of issues related to the diversification of the trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, said the message.
They emphasized the relevance of Ashgabat's initiatives on creating international transport and transit corridors and ensuring global energy security, according to the message.
Abdul Malik reaffirmed Pakistan's interest in the implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, said the government message.
"Pakistani ambassador expressed confidence that laying of this pipeline will not only promote the economic development of the countries participating in the project, but also become a strong factor of peace and stability in the region," said the message.
The length of TAPI gas pipeline will be 1,800 kilometers, of which 200 kilometers will run though Turkmenistan, 773 kilometers - Afghanistan, 827 kilometers - Pakistan (to Fazilka settlement on the border with India). It is designed to meet the gas demand of the industry of the countries with the population of over 1.5 billion.
Turkmenistan's Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry and Mineral Resources previously said that an international tender will be announced soon to choose the leader of TAPI consortium. It was also noted that the feasibility study of the project is worked out by UK Penspen company.
The annual pumping capacity of the gas pipeline will be 33 billion cubic meters.
Edited by SI