The President said that the region was of great geo-strategic importance and there was a need for a robust road and rail linkage to enable the countries fully exploit their natural resources. In this regard, Pakistan is ready to play its role, he added.
"We are willing to facilitate transportation of LNG from Central Asia to South East Asia and other world markets. The latest and modern seaport of Pakistan at Gwadar is the shortest route for Central Asian States to the Arabian Sea," the President said.
President Zardari said that Gwadar also offered excellent port facilities for export of LNG and other products. "We are also ready to provide safe transit of piped gas to other neighbouring countries," he added. President Zardari said that Pakistan was keen to implement the projects of energy connectivity like Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, and added that a few days ago the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project was inaugurated.
The International Conference was addressed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Tajik President Emomali Rehmanov, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, President of the host country -Turkmenistan, and representatives of the United Nations, Kazakystan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Republic of Tartarstan and Turkey. President Zardari said that there was also a need to strengthen security and counter-terrorism co-operation in the region.
He said that Pakistan firmly believed that peace and stability was the most important for economic progress and development. "We are keen to promote friendly relations with all, especially our neighbours and other regional countries. We are ready to work together with them for peace, progress and prosperity in the region," he said.
President Zardari said that Pakistan and Central Asian states had historical and cultural links, besides cordial relations with all the countries of the region. He said that Pakistan and Central Asian states were members of the ECO (Economic Co-operation Organisation) and main objective of the grouping was building infrastructure and connectivity projects in the region.
He said that the region had great geo-strategic and geo-political importance and it would grow in the coming years. He said that connectivity through rail, road and air links was important not only within the region but also beyond. The President said that the presence of all leaders and representatives here reflected the underlying strength of their common cultural and religious values and traditions.
"Our common traditions are deep-rooted in history," the President said and termed Nowruz a symbol of this common heritage. He said that the combined strength of common bonds could produce miracles, which could lead to closer co-operation for common economic development. "We particularly need closer co-operation in trade, communication, transportation, energy and infrastructure," the President added.
President Zardari said that he was happy to be a part of Nowruz celebrations in Ashgabat. It marks the dawn of a new day and a major civil celebration of the year that brings together families in celebrations and festivities, he added. He noted that the United Nations had declared March 21 as the "International Day of Nowruz", while the UNESCO had designated it as the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".
President Zardari extended his heartiest greetings on the special occasion and said it reflected the universal recognition to the spirit of peace and love of Nowruz. He also greeted the people of Turkmenistan and all peace loving people throughout the world celebrating the day that represents peace, tolerance and friendship for all.
The President particularly congratulated President Gurbanguli Berdimuhammedov for excellent arrangements for the festival and the people of Turkmenistan for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He extended the felicitation of people of Pakistan to the people of Turkmenistan and those of all other countries where Nowruz was celebrated. The leaders at the International Nowruz Festival also expressed the resolve of 300 million people to work together for peace, dignity and respect of humanity.
President Gurbanguli Berdimuhammedov welcomed the delegations to Turkmenistan for jointly celebrating the grand event that symbolised a new dawn, respect for humanity and a quest for peace. He said that Turkmenistan had always strived for good neighbourly relations and neutrality was the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
He said that national, regional and global development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. He also stressed co-operation in science, arts and education. He also proposed an annual publication that would share the traditions of Nowruz with the rest of the world. He also suggested a competition for best literary and arts work from the countries regarding the Nowruz celebrations. He hoped that the celebrations of the day would help bring the people closer, strengthen ties and boost regional co-operation.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the day needed to be celebrated with zeal to serve the people, respect for the teachers, parents and serve the poor. He said that many countries were trying to interfere in the affairs of other countries in order to concentrate their wealth and leave them poor. The Iranian President stressed justice and equality in all affairs with all countries of the world and called for sustainable development.
He urged the participant countries to unite against all those, who did not wish peace. He hoped that conflicts would end with the heralding of the spring. Afghan President Hamid Karzai said that the objective of Nowruz was to strengthen unity and brotherhood, and wished peace and prosperity. He said that his country desired to extend co-operation with all the regional countries.
Referring to the challenge of terrorism that his country was facing, he said that Afghanistan was closely co-operating with Pakistan in fighting it. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rehmanov said the Nowruz festivity has a rich tradition, dating back to centuries and its aim was to purify the hearts of anger and feelings of animosity. He stressed justice within the States and inter-state relations. The President of Tajikistan referred to the railroad between Turkmenistan-Tajikistan and Afghanistan will help trade and strengthen economic ties amongst the member states.
Representatives from other countries included Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan Raev Sultan Akimovich, President of Republic of Tatarstan, from Russian Federation, Minnikhanov Rustan Nurgaliyevich, Minister for Energy of Turkey Taner Yildiz, Deputy Secretary General of United Nations Kassym Jomart Tokaev, Vice Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Efendiev Elchin Iljas Ogly and Vice Chairman of Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Dzhakupov Kabibulla Kabenovich also expressed resolve to preserve the values of peace and humanity.
President Asif Ali Zardari and the other delegates were later driven to the site of the festival around 45 km south of Ashgabat, where they witnessed a number of cultural and folk traditions. Dancers attired in traditional dresses danced to the beat of drums, while women at different stalls were seen weaving carpets, doing embroidery, cooking Turkmen national cuisine.
A thrilling horsemen show was appreciated by all the visiting leaders and representatives of other countries, in which the skilled riders performed acrobatics on a narrow circular patch. It was followed by a show of dancing horse that moved on the beat of the drums. The President of Turkmenistan later hosted a gala dinner, served with the traditional Nowruz dishes for the guests. Cultural troupes, including one from Pakistan, entertained the guests during the luncheon.