Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 18
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed the situation in the region and the development priorities of Turkmen-Afghan cooperation in various fields, the Turkmen government reported on March 18.
The Afghan view was presented by Chairman of the High Peace Council of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Salahuddin Rabbani during the discussions.
'Topical issues of bilateral relations were discussed during the talks. The parties confirmed the mutual commitment of the two countries for further intensification of bilateral dialogue, discussed the situation in the region and the development priorities of the Turkmen-Afghan cooperation in various fields', the government statement said.
A consecutive area of tension in the region is Afghanistan where Turkmenistan shares a long border.
Ashgabat previously expressed its willingness to provide its political space under the auspicious of a UN Afghan peace dialogue.
A large scale project that would see the construction of a gas pipeline to India and Pakistan for the supply of Turkmen gas is related to Afghan territory. Observers believe that its implementation could contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, since it will create jobs and provide the country with a guaranteed income for transit.
Under the auspices of the UN, regular events are held in the Central Asian countries` capitals in border security. One of the key issues of discussion includes the possible outcome of the reduction of international forces in Afghanistan pertaining to the situation in the field of border security and management of the northern border of Afghanistan.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by S.M.