ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday discussed theTurkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project under which around1,680-kilometer trans-country gas pipeline would be laid.

Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov called on Minister forPetroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan here and deliberated on various aspects of theproject.

“The Petroleum Division will support the TAPI project at all levels,” theminister said, according to a press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters pertaining to mutualinterest and reiterated the resolve for timely completion of the TAPIproject.

The Turkmen envoy appreciated the progress made on the TAPI project inPakistan, saying the oil and gas sector had a key role in the economy ofhis country.

The minister assured the ambassador that Pakistan was fully committed tothe successful implementation of the project, terming it vital forPakistan’s energy needs and ‘catalyst for closer regional integration,peace and harmony.’

The Petroleum Division and TAPI Pipeline Corporation would soon sign anessential document. Under the TAPI project, Pakistan will receive 1300million cubic feet gas.

The envoy said his country was cognizant of the close mutual bonds offriendship, brotherhood and mutual cooperation existed between the twocountries.

Managing Director Inter State Gas System Limited Mubeen Saulat was alsopresent in the meeting.