ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, May 10. Turkmenistan and Afghanistan will set up special working groups to effectively coordinate all aspects of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, Trend reports.
According to an official source, this agreement was reached during a meeting of the Turkmen delegation, which included Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd. Muhammetmyrat Amanov and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kabul Khoja Ovezov, with Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan Shahabuddin Delawar.
During the meeting, the parties discussed with the head of the department the promotion of the TAPI gas pipeline construction project and various issues related to its implementation.
Shahabuddin Delawar stressed that strengthening political, economic, and security ties with the countries of the region, including Turkmenistan, is a priority of Afghanistan's foreign policy.
Furthermore, he noted the strategic importance of expanding bilateral relations, stressing that the TAPI project is crucial not only for Kabul but also beneficial for the other three participating countries and that there are no obstacles to its implementation in Afghanistan.
Muhammetmyrat Amanov, in a productive dialogue with the leadership of the Ministry, elaborated on the progress of the project in recent years, highlighting practical and technical aspects and outlining the upcoming steps.
The Afghan side expressed deep gratitude for the constant support from the leadership of Turkmenistan for the TAPI project and confirmed the urgent need for its early implementation, ensuring its full support.
It is expected that the TAPI gas pipeline will annually transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas along an 1800-kilometer route from Turkmen Galkynysh, the second largest gas field in the world, to the Indian city of Fazilka, located near the border of India with Pakistan.