BISHKEK-Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi  met with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov and discussed the TAPI Natural Gas Pipeline Project.

Mr Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived in Ashgabat to attend the regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI).

The President highlighted Turkmenistan's interest in strengthening of economic, trade and cultural ties with it partners in implementation of major projects of regional and inter-regional significance, including TAPI construction.

The Pakistani Petroleum Minister, in turn, stressed the relevance and timeliness of the project, as well as confirmed high interest in its early implementation to promote development of constructive international cooperation in gas sector.

The sides noticed that the new energy bridge will be economically beneficial for the participating countries. It will positively impact on the situation in Central and South Asia, and give additional stability to the "entire system of political and economic relations on the continent."