Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 4
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
A cooperation programme between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan for 2014-2015 has been signed in Ashgabat, a message from the government of Turkmenistan said on March 4.
The document envisaging the holding of political consultations on bilateral, regional and international cooperation, consular issues and implementation of joint projects was worked out and signed during recent Turkmen-Afghan political consultations.
The Afghan delegation was headed by the country's Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani, according to the message of the Turkmen government.
'Priorities of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan were discussed during the meeting. The parties also exchanged views on the implementation of certain economic and infrastructure projects relating to Afghanistan', the message from the Turkmen government said.
Turkmenistan which has a long border with Afghanistan has repeatedly put forward a number of initiatives on the economic and social revival of its neighbour. These initiatives have been appreciated by the UN and the OSCE.
In early 2013 Ashgabat hosted an international meeting on assistance to Afghanistan which brought together representatives of neighbouring states, international organisations and potential donor countries.
Work is underway for the creation of the Atamyrat-Imamnazar-Akina-Andhoi (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan) railway on Ashgabat's initiative.
Ashgabat is also working on a project that allows a significant increase in the volume of exports of Turkmen electricity to Afghanistan.
Construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is one of the largest proposed projects. Ashgabat believes that alongside with purely economic tasks, its implementation will also enable it to resolve important social and humanitarian issues, including those related to the creation of additional jobs and formation of infrastructure.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by S.M.