Turkmenistan and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project as soon as possible, Trend news agency reported on April 2, citing a statement from the Turkmen government.

The desire for swift completion was expressed during a meeting between Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkmen Ambassador to Islamabad Atajan Movlamov.

According to the statement, both sides acknowledged the project's potential to bolster Pakistan's economy and address its energy requirements.

President Zardari reportedly emphasized the importance of Turkmenistan as a bilateral partner due to long-standing historical, cultural, and religious ties. Additionally, he called for increased high-level exchanges to strengthen relations.

During the meeting, the leaders also highlighted the importance of finalizing a transit trade agreement to facilitate trade expansion, regional connectivity, and economic activity.

Spanning approximately 1,800 kilometers, TAPI pipeline is expected to transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually upon completion. The 1,800-kilometer route stretches from Turkmenistan's Galkynysh gas field, the world's second largest, to the Indian city of Fazilka near the border with Pakistan.