On August 10, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to Afghanistan, where he held talks with the Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar, TDH reports.

The main topic of the talks was the progress of the construction of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, in particular its key Afghan section, Serhetabat–Herat known as “Arkadagyň ak ýoly.”

The construction of this important 153-kilometer section began on September 11, 2024. The construction work, being carried out by the Türkmengaz State Concern, involves approximately 700 Turkmen specialists and over 300 pieces of specialized machinery. Dozens of international contracts have been signed for the purchase of pipes and equipment.

As noted, the necessary measures are currently being taken to successfully complete construction of this important section of the large-scale TAPI project. Modern specialized equipment, acquired with the support of the Hero-Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan, is being used for this purpose.

At the same time, all the conditions for productive work by construction workers are being created, which is essential for the timely and high-quality completion of the work.

During the talks, the parties also discussed cooperation in the fields of transportation, electric power and communications.

Abdul Ghani Baradar emphasized that the implementation of energy projects will create new jobs and improve Afghanistan’s energy supply.

The parties also discussed the possibility of expanding the education of Afghan students at Turkmen higher educational institutions, including in specialties related to the gas industry.

An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Türkmengaz State Concern and the Afghan Gas Company. According to the document, the parties intend to work together to create specialized gas transportation infrastructure in the Afghan province of Herat and to supply Turkmen natural gas to industrial enterprises, power plants, and the population of the province.