ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 9. Turkmenistan is ready to start the TAPI project in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov stated in a video conference with Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Trend reports via Radio Television Afghanistan.
The meeting was all about spreading wings and strengthening ties between the two countries, including ongoing teamwork in the TAPI gas pipeline project, railway development at the Afghan Torghundi port, and enhancements to transit and transport links. The officials stressed the need to strengthen ties and work hand in hand to boost economic growth.
Mullah Baradar highlighted the strong political and economic relations between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, noting that the current environment is favorable for strengthening these ties. He underscored Afghanistan's commitment to an economy-focused foreign policy, with a priority on regional connectivity and cooperation with Turkmenistan.
In addition to the TAPI project, Turkmenistan expressed readiness to invest in Afghanistan’s electricity and railway sectors, further advancing the partnership between the two nations. Both sides affirmed their commitment to maximizing opportunities for mutual benefit.
Earlier, the Board of Directors of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited gathered in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, to review the project's ongoing development.
Furthermore, in mid-August, Director of the TAPI pipeline project for Turkmenistan, Mohammad Murad Amanov met with Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss the TAPI pipeline, where Amanov confirmed that Turkmenistan has extended the pipeline to its border with Afghanistan and is nearly ready to proceed with its extension into Afghan territory.
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline is a major project designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. Expected to deliver 33 billion cubic meters annually, construction on the project began in Turkmenistan on December 13, 2015. Turkmenistan is the primary gas supplier and plays a key role in the pipeline's development, aiming to diversify its energy export routes and enhance regional economic ties.
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