Afghanistan, Turkmenistan Advance TAPI Pipeline Project
The TAPI pipeline project has completed over 14 kilometers in Afghan territory, with plans to transport gas from Central Asia to South Asia. The project's advancement is a result of the strong diplomatic ties and economic relations between Kabul and Ashgabat, with both countries committed to promoting regional development and cooperation.
Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held online talks to discuss the progress of regional infrastructure projects, focusing on accelerating the TAPI pipeline construction. The two sides agreed to continue high-level consultations to accelerate the project, expand railway connections, and deepen overall economic cooperation.
The TAPI pipeline is a large-scale project that aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India, with a capacity of 33 billion cubic meters per year. The project has the potential to strengthen economic ties between the participating countries and promote regional development. Turkmenistan has announced plans to enhance cooperation with Afghanistan in the sectors of railways, trade, and transit.
Economic experts believe that enhancing relations with Central Asian countries is in Afghanistan's strategic interest, given its regional positioning. The governor of Herat province, Sheikh Noor Ahmad Islam Jar, has led a delegation to Turkmenistan to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries. The delegation will meet with Turkmen officials and the private sector to discuss trade and joint infrastructure projects, including transit issues between Herat and Mari, Turkmenistan.
The advancement of the TAPI pipeline project and the strengthening of economic ties between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan are expected to have positive effects on the region, promoting economic growth and cooperation. The two countries' commitment to deepening their economic cooperation and advancing joint initiatives is a significant step towards regional development and stability.