Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Sept. 10 / Trend H.Hasanov /
The Turkmen Energy Ministry will sign additional agreements with Afghanistan to increase the electricity supply and to extend until December 31, 2013 the previously signed contracts, an official Turkmen source said on Monday.
It is about extending contracts signed with the Ministry of Energy and Water of Afghanistan contracts dated March 7, 2002 on the export of electricity.
Over-limit amounts of electricity exported to Afghanistan from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 will be formalized.
"In accordance with the proposal-request of the Afghan side to increase electricity supply, a special document was prepared to authorize the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan on signing of the supplementary agreements on increasing energy supplies," the Turkmen government said on Monday.
According to information, the issue was discussed at a government meeting, where President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved the new deals.
Noting that Turkmenistan is one of the countries exporting large volumes of energy resources, the country's leader "reaffirmed the country's traditionally friendly, constructive dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the willingness to continue to provide full support and assistance in the economic development of the neighboring country," the information said.
Over the years, Afghanistan has been one of the main importers of Turkmen electricity.
Berdymukhamedov said the economic development of the neighboring country and rapidly increased potential of the energy sector of Turkmenistan create conditions for further expansion of mutually beneficial partnership in the energy sector.
Ashgabat provides humanitarian assistance to the neighboring country, builds social infrastructure facilities supplies delivers electricity and fuel on preferential terms.