BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9
By Jeila Aliyeva - Trend:
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and the US noted the importance of developing transport and transit and fuel and energy corridors, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The issue was discussed via a videoconference that was held between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, the US Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Mohammad Haneef Atmar on October 8, 2020.
The parties have identified transport projects on which they can work together to increase trade in the region.
The sides also discussed cooperation on the use of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor.
During the meeting, the parties considered the possibilities of developing trade relations between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, the US and the Central Asian region by improving the efficiency of customs and other procedures.
Participants discussed the possibilities of joint implementation of infrastructure projects, including such energy projects as Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI) and TAP.
The parties agreed to continue an active dialogue to promote intercultural dialogue and strengthen cooperation in order to ensure peace, security and economic growth in the Central Asian region.
Also, one of the main topics of the meeting was the promotion of inter-Afghan negotiations aimed at ending the armed conflict and establishing peace in the region. In particular, Turkmenistan's readiness to provide its political space for holding inter-Afghan negotiations was noted.
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