Islamabad, May 19 (IANS): Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan on May 20-22 for bilateral talks, focusing on energy cooperation, an official announcement said on Tuesday.

A few agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit to both Central Asian states, the foreign ministry here said.

During the first leg of his visit, Sharif will hold tete-a-tete with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan that would be followed by delegation-level talks.

On Thursday, the prime minister will visit Bishkek and will hold meeting with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev.

During the delegation-level talks, the two sides will discuss issues of mutual cooperation in various fields.

The foreign ministry said Pakistan greatly values close, friendly and historical relations with the Central Asian Republics and is keen to further strengthen these ties in all fields, especially energy security and connectivity.

"The cooperation among Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan is important for energy security and stability in the region to enable gas and oil pipelines, electricity transmission, air and road connectivity and trade," the foreign ministry said.

The prime minister's entourage will include cabinet members and senior officials.