Turkmenistan's designated carrier to Ahmedabad, Kochi

New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) India has agreed to permit Turkmenistan's designated carrier to fly to Ahmedabad and Kochi, and shown keen interest in prospecting and eventual exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the offshore Caspian blocks of the Central Asian country.

At the first meeting of the India-Turkmenistan Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade-Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan supported India in becoming part of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

The Indian delegation at meeting, held in the Turkmenistan Capital on October 2-3, was led by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, while his counterpart Rashid Meredov headed the Turkmenistan side, an External Affairs Ministry release said here today.

The Indian delegation included representatives of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, ONGC Videsh and Gail India Limited.

At the meeting, India also offered to establish an Indian-Turkmenistan Centre for Information Technology in Ashgabat.

Both sides resolved to make efforts for intensifying commercial relations through trade-related joint ventures.

Turkmenistan agreed to facilitate imports of Indian pharmaceutical products.

Cooperation in science and technology, particularly in seismic studies and in combating desertification, was also agreed upon.

A joint protocol outlining the specific areas of cooperation was signed at the conclusion of the Inter-Governmental Commission by the two Co-Chairs.

The Inter-Governmental Commission meeting was conducted through meetings of various sub groups, including the first meeting of the India-Turkmenistan Joint Working Group on Hydrocarbons which discussed possible areas of cooperation including India's interest in prospecting offshore Caspian blocks of Turkmenistan.

UNI YJ VA BD1907