بازدید هیات بلندپایه افغانستان و ترکمنستان از روند پروژه تاپی

A high-level Afghan delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, along with a Turkmen delegation headed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the national leader of Turkmenistan, visited the operational phase of the TAPI project on Afghan soil.

Baradar stated that the TAPI project fosters strategic connectivity and builds trust among regional countries.

He said: “This project is a sign of regional cooperation, economic unity, and shared peace, and it serves as a vital bridge of trust, collaboration, and progress among neighboring and regional countries.”

Meanwhile, the leader of Turkmenistan described the expansion of relations between Kabul and Ashgabat as beneficial and emphasized the need to complete the TAPI project as soon as possible.

According to him, the TAPI project is one of Turkmenistan’s priorities, which can bring stability and development to regional countries.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said: “The TAPI project, which connects Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, is among the Turkmen government’s priorities and will play a constructive role in the region’s economic stability. Turkmenistan will complete the project on time. The best conditions for implementing this project are now in place, and it is the only regional project enjoying global support.”

The deputy prime minister for economic affairs also assured the creation of a development and trade corridor between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

According to him, this corridor will include various projects related to electricity and gas transmission, railway development, road construction, and the establishment of logistical centers.

Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said: “With the completion of this project, or at least its arrival in Herat, Afghanistan will gain access to Turkmen gas, and we will be able to provide gas to the people.”

Additionally, Homayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the ministry of mines and petroleum, stated: “Over the past year, significant work has been carried out, standard roads have been extended, permanent camps for engineers and workers have been built, and pipelines have been laid, all of which indicate that the project is progressing precisely and rapidly.”

The practical work on the TAPI project began last year in Afghanistan.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, 14 kilometers of the pipeline have so far been completed on Afghan soil, and around 70 kilometers are prepared for pipeline installation.

Recently, a large quantity of gas transmission pipes was imported from Turkmenistan into Afghanistan and transported to the TAPI project implementation site.