KABUL: A delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and a joint delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the national leader of that country, visited the ongoing TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) project today, to assess the progress of this major regional project within Afghan territory.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for Economic Affairs said in a statement today, that the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Turkmen national leader for overseeing the project’s progress and emphasized the importance of further coordination for regional cooperation, economic unity, and mutual prosperity.
He noted that the practical work on this project has progressed by 14 kilometers in Afghanistan.
Mullah Baradar Akhund added that the Islamic Emirate’s vision extends beyond the TAPI project, as efforts are also underway to establish a broad economic corridor between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.
This corridor includes the TAP-500 electricity transmission project, railway construction, roads, and logistics centers, with the Islamic Emirate committed to its implementation, security, and continuity.
The official urged Turkmenistan and other international partners to take advantage of existing investment opportunities in Afghanistan and invest in various economic sectors.
Based on the statement, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow stated during the visit that relations between Kabul and Ashgabat have strengthened and are expanding.
He thanked the Islamic Emirate for its comprehensive cooperation in executing the TAPI project, calling it a priority for the Turkmen government and emphasizing its constructive role in enhancing regional economic stability.
He asserted that “the best conditions for implementing the TAPI project are now in place, and this is the only regional project that enjoys extensive international support.”
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow assured that Turkmenistan would complete the TAPI project according to the established timeline, which is expected to generate nearly one billion dollars annually for Afghanistan.
According to the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, practical work on the TAPI project is progressing rapidly within the country, with 100 kilometers of land acquired, 70 kilometers leveled, and 14 kilometers of gas pipeline constructed so far.
High-ranking officials of IEA and Turkmenistan visit TAPI project to assess it progress within Afghanistan
