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Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday called for the early conclusion of a transit trade agreement with Turkmenistan to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

The signing of the agreement will help expand trade, strengthen regional ties and boost economic activity in the region, Zardari said at a meeting with Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Islamabad Atajan Movlamov. The diplomat also congratulated him on assuming the office of president for the second time, conveying greetings from the top leadership of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their desire to complete the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline as soon as possible, which will not only support the economy of Pakistan, but also help meet its energy needs.

President Zardari stated that Pakistan attaches special importance to its bilateral ties with Turkmenistan in view of the centuries-old historical, cultural and religious ties and wishes to expand high-level exchanges in order to give new impetus to bilateral relations.

He expressed Islamabad's desire to cooperate with Ashgabat to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.

The President warmly recalled his trip to Turkmenistan during his first term as head of state in 2010 to participate in the TAPI Summit, as well as in the fourth International Novruz Festival in 2013.

ORIENT news

Photo: wenews.pk