Cooperation between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan in the fields of energy, transport, and infrastructure is entering a new stage. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs emphasized the importance of major projects being implemented between the two countries and presented several key initiatives.
TAPI and Regional Energy Integration
Afghanistan announced that it is taking full responsibility for the construction of the gas pipeline segment running from Guzara District in Herat Province to Spin Boldak District in Kandahar Province. In addition:
- Under a separate agreement with Pakistan, the pipeline will be extended from Spin Boldak to the Indian border.
- At Pakistan’s official request, a major gas hub and modern storage facility will be built at Gwadar Port.
The Afghan side noted that determining the price of gas to be supplied to Afghanistan under the TAPI project is one of the key issues, expressing hope that the final pricing decision will be shared with Kabul.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated:
“Full implementation of the TAPI project can strengthen regional energy connectivity, economic stability, and long‑term cooperation.”
TAP Project Roadmap Completed
Afghanistan reported that the roadmap for the TAP electricity transmission project has been fully prepared and expressed the desire for the document to be signed by both sides during the meeting.
The Afghan side also proposed launching several important infrastructure projects as soon as possible:
- Completion of the Noor‑ul‑Jihad substation.
- Acceleration of the Turgundy–Herat railway construction.
- Extension of power transmission lines to Bala Murghab, Khamab, and Gargin.
- Initiation of other significant regional development projects.
Railway Cooperation: New Opportunities
At a meeting held on the sidelines of the ECO organization, it was agreed that the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan would take personal oversight of the Turgundy–Herat railway construction and would visit Afghanistan to sign the related contract.
Afghanistan also reported that Kazakhstan has shown strong interest in participating in this project through Afghan territory and expressed hope that Turkmenistan would clarify its position on this matter in the near future.
Job Creation and Expansion of Economic Cooperation
The Afghan side emphasized that one of the main goals of joint projects is job creation and called on Turkmenistan to pay special attention to this priority.
The Deputy Prime Minister added:
“Considering existing opportunities and needs, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan can become strong economic partners in the region.”
Key areas where the two countries can actively cooperate include:
- mining
- transport and transit
- services
- regional infrastructure
- development‑oriented projects
Proposals in Agriculture and the Banking Sector
Turkmenistan’s achievements in agriculture were highlighted in particular. Afghanistan expressed interest in benefiting from Turkmenistan’s experience and proposed forming joint technical teams.
Additionally, to strengthen bilateral trade, it was proposed to:
- open banking branches in Ashgabat and Kabul.
This measure is expected to significantly ease the challenges faced by traders and reduce operational difficulties.
