KABUL (BNA): The implementation of the TAPI project, alongside several major development initiatives in the oil and gas, energy, and transport sectors between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, was officially inaugurated today, Wednesday.
The ceremony was attended by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan.
According to a statement from ARG, the TAPI project and other development initiatives were formally launched during a ceremony held in the Mary region of Turkmenistan, with the Turkmenistan President participating via video conference.
During the ceremony, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund extended his congratulations to the people of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, the Chairman, and all the officials and participants on this historic day. He remarked, “Today marks a day we have awaited for years. After enduring many challenges and hardships, the opportunity to inaugurate these significant projects has finally come to fruition.”
Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund further emphasized that the inauguration of these projects reflects the goodwill and wise policies of the Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan and other Turkmen officials. He noted that these initiatives would strengthen the friendship between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and bring substantial benefits to both nations.
He directed the relevant Afghan officials to work diligently and with dedication to ensure the successful completion of these projects. Additionally, he expressed hope that these significant development projects would foster closer ties between the two countries.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan highlighted that today marked the commencement of several major projects, including TAPI. He noted that the friendly, brotherly, and neighborly relations between the two countries are expanding, and the implementation of these vital projects will benefit not only Turkmenistan and Afghanistan but also the entire region.
Moreover, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, described the day as historic for both countries, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their bilateral relations. He stressed that the relations between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan are characterized by mutual respect, equality, fraternity, and good neighborliness, serving as a model of cooperation. He expressed optimism that these relations would continue to strengthen, with increased collaboration in transport, telecommunications, electricity, and other sectors, benefiting both nations and reflecting genuine friendship.
He also highlighted that a key aspect of their policy is to continue economic, political, and diplomatic cooperation with the Afghan people. The Chairman emphasized that these projects would positively impact Afghanistan’s economic development, industrial growth, and social progress. They are expected to create 12,000 jobs for Afghans and generate approximately one billion dollars in annual revenue for Afghanistan. Additionally, he mentioned that the newly established routes would enable the export of Turkmen goods to European countries and play a crucial role in connecting Central and South Asia.
The TAPI regional pipeline project, which aims to transport Turkmen gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India, extends over 1,821 kilometers and has an annual capacity of 33 billion cubic meters. Afghanistan is anticipated to earn $400 million annually in transit fees. Additionally, the Turghundi Port Development Project, which involves constructing a 22-kilometer railway line from Herat to Sanobar, along with the establishment of hangars, facilities, and secondary railways for loading, will be implemented at a cost of approximately $40 million.
Similarly, the Noorul Jihad substation, financed by DABS at a cost of $3,539,295, aims to secure the electricity supply in Herat province by increasing the voltage from 110 to 220 kilovolts, thereby reducing technical losses. Furthermore, the fiber optic project will connect Afghanistan to Europe through Turkmenistan and link Turkmenistan to Pakistan and other neighboring countries via Afghanistan.
Bakhtar
