Pak-Turkmenistan energy collaboration discussed

ISLAMABAD, January 31: A high level delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vepa Hajiyev held extensive meeting with the Pakistani delegation led by Federal Minister for Energy Mr. Hammad Azhar here on Monday.
Both sides discussed various aspects of the flagship Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline   as well as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line.
Minister Hammad Azhar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to TAPI project and stressed the need to expedite the project. The same devotion to the multi-lateral project was expressed from Turkmenistan’s side.
Minister Hammad Azhar further expressed the resolve of the Government of Pakistan for early completion of the TAPI project on account of Pakistan’s need for additional supplies of natural gas. He requested the Turkmenistan side to take all steps for early completion of the project.
Pakistan agreed to hold the meeting of the technical working group on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line in a week that will work around the pre-feasibility parameters of the project.
It was decided that meeting of technical working group on TAPI will be held tomorrow to propose the future roadmap given the changed dynamics of the project.
The Turkmenistan’s delegation also included Chairman of the Board and CEO TAPI Pipeline Company Limited Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov; Head of the Department of International Power Projects in the direction of Turkmenistan -Afghanistan-Pakistan, Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan M. Artykov; Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Mr. Atadjan Movlamov; Chairman of the concern Turkmenenergogurlushyk N. Atayev; as well as representatives of the project company – Calik Holding.
Pakistan’s delegation included Secretary Power Division Syed Asif Haider Shah, Secretary Petroleum Division Mr. Ali Raza Bhutta and senior officials of the Ministry of Energy. -DNA