The implementation of the projects of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line was discussed in Ashgabat by a visiting Afghan delegation headed by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Amir Khan Mottaki, the website of the Foreign Ministry reports.  Turkmenistan.

This issue was discussed at a meeting on Saturday with Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.

Noting the effectiveness of the Turkmen-Afghan talks that took place during several visits of the Turkmen delegation to Afghanistan, the parties stressed the significant role of the dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries in the development of interstate relations.

The ministers also noted the joint work on the construction of a railway from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan and the need to further intensify cooperation in the field of ensuring regional security.

As R. Meredov emphasized, Turkmenistan is certainly interested in the political and economic stability of Afghanistan, the well-being and unity of the Afghan people.  In this regard, the Turkmen side confirmed that it would continue to provide regular humanitarian support to the Afghan people, based on the principles of good neighborliness and centuries-old friendship.

Following the results of the meetings, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan addressed the media representatives, in which they stated the positive and constructive nature of the current dialogue.  The Foreign Ministers of the two countries summarized the results of the Turkmen-Afghan talks aimed at expanding the multifaceted partnership between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Taliban movement published a message on Twitter, which reported that, following the results of negotiations in Ashgabat, an agreement was reached with Turkmenistan on the timing of the resumption of work on the TAPI gas pipeline construction project.  In particular, it was reported that work on electricity supply, the TAPI project and the expansion of the railway will be opened and started in March 2022.

It was also reported that a meeting of the technical group of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on the implementation of joint projects will be held in Kabul on January 22.