Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari addressed an international forum in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan along with many veteran world leaders including the Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin had an informal meeting with his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the International Forum on "Interrelation of Times and Civilizations - Basis of Peace and Development".

Addressing the forum, the Pakistani President emphasized an enhanced focus on the promotion of regional connectivity as well as cultural and economic collaboration in the region. Earlier upon their arrival, the heads of the states were welcomed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdi Muhammadov.

The president of Pakistan, addressing the forum said that Pakistan and Turkmenistan shared a deep-rooted bond of brotherhood which was built on mutual respect and commonalities of faith and a shared vision for a better and peaceful future.