Peace, stability in Afghanistan vital to reap benefits of regional prosperity: President Alvi

Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi has emphasized that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital to reap the benefits of regional connectivity and prosperity. 

He said this during his meeting with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the sidelines of the 15th Summit of Economic Cooperation Organization in Ashgabat.

The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional peace and security with particular focus on worsening economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Highlighting the dire state of human sufferings in Afghanistan, the President stressed the importance of practical engagement with Afghanistan to coordinate provision of urgent food, medicines and shelter items by the international community.

Dr Arif Avli underlined the immediate need of financial assistance to Afghanistan to avert impending economic collapse.

The President also stressed the importance of unfreezing Afghanistan's frozen financial assets in this regard.

Talking about bilateral trade and economic relations, the President underscored that road, rail and air linkages are essential to promote trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.

Dr Arif Avli reaffirmed Pakistan's continued support to timely completion of TAPI Gas Pipeline Project.

The President congratulated his Turkmenistan counterpart on thirty years of Turkmenistan’s independence and 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s policy of Permanent Neutrality.

During his visit to Turkmenistan, Dr Arif Avli will also attend the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization being held in Ashgabat on Sunday.

He will address the plenary session of the Summit and will hold bilateral meetings with various global leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.