Key Agreements Inked Between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthening Economic Ties and Regional Cooperation

Under the leadership of Acting Minister Alhaj Mulla Hidayatullah Badri from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, a prominent delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, comprising representatives from various ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Finance, Communications, Information Technology, Public Utilities, and Electricity, embarked on a visit to Turkmenistan. During this visit, they engaged in separate discussions with deputy heads of the cabinet and sector ministers, including the country’s foreign minister.

On the initial day of their visit, a meeting was convened with Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Murdov, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Turkmenistan. The discussions revolved around critical economic endeavors linking Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, notably the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India natural gas pipeline (TAPI), the execution of the 500 KV power line (TAP), the initial phase of the Turghundi-Herat railway line refurbishment, the Turghundi port development, and optical fiber initiatives. Detailed deliberations were conducted on project advancements and accomplishments in this domain.

During the review, the recent advancements in the TAPI project were positively assessed, and preparations for unveiling the Herat segment of the project in the upcoming days were deliberated upon. Both parties agreed to establish a governmental committee to enhance economic ties further.

Additionally, the Afghan delegation held individual sessions with Turkmenistan’s deputy cabinet heads and ministers in the domains of oil and gas, transportation and communications, industry and commerce, and energy sectors. These meetings focused on the existing relations between the two nations, culminating in agreements regarding project timelines and forthcoming actions.

On the second day of the Afghan delegation’s journey, they partook in the “Turkmen-Afghan Joint Meeting” and attended the conference themed “Good Neighborly Relations,” hosted by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. This conference involved the participation of Ministers of Transport, Oil and Gas, Communications and Information, alongside Turkmenistan’s Deputy Cabinet Ministers. Detailed discussions unfolded concerning economic projects, bilateral relations’ growth prospects, and the strategic roles of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan in regional connectivity.

Concluding these visits, agreements were reached including the host country agreement for the TAPI project between the two nations, the implementation pact for the 500 KV power line (TAP) project, and the operational plan for the Herat-Snobar railway and the Turghondai railway. Additionally, the terminal development agreement was duly signed.