Turkmenistan and Afghanistan delegations discussed energy projects in Herat

On Sunday, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov met in Herat with Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. They discussed the implementation of regionally important projects, including the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan (TAP) electricity transmission projects, according to Ariana News. The Afghan side reported interest from Saudi Arabia’s Delta International company to participate in the projects, including gas purchases, development of large Turkmen gas fields, extending the pipeline to the Indian border, and constructing a major gas terminal at Pakistan’s Gwadar port. Delegations discussed trade expansion, strengthening banking cooperation, creating new jobs, and jointly managing economic initiatives. Technical experts presented detailed reports on the current status of the projects. Rashid Meredov highlighted Turkmenistan’s readiness to invest in the Torgundi – Herat railway section and noted plans to increase electricity exports via five existing transmission lines. Ministers of energy, transport, railways, and mining from both countries, representatives of state companies, and senior officials took part in the talks. Earlier, TAPI’s authorized representative in Afghanistan, Bangunj Abdullah Yof, reported that preparatory work for laying pipes along the 91-kilometer section in Herat province had been completed.