Afghan, Turkmen officials inspect key projects

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) says Afghan and Turkmen officials have inspected key infrastructure projects at the Torghondai Port in western Herat province.

A delegation, led by Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi and his Turkmen counterpart Raşit Meredow, visited the railway station, TAPI pipeline, and power projects on the border between the two countries.

According to a MoFA statement, the purpose of the visit was to review preparations for commencement of practical work on the projects.

The TAPI gas pipeline, which stretches 1,800 km from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India, includes an 816 km stretch passing through Afghanistan.

Although the project has already been inaugurated officially in Afghanistan, work on it has yet to begin.

Muttaqi assured Meredow Afghan authorities had completed their preparations for the TAPI pipeline extension and were ready to start construction.

He expressed optimism the development of the Torghundai railway station and pipeline extension would significantly boost the economies of both nations.

For his part, Meredow outlined Turkmenistan's preparations for advancing the TAPI project and reaffirmed his country is commitment to initiating the railway line construction in Afghanistan.

Additionally, he noted, the Noor-ul-Jihad power substation was set to be made operational soon.

sa/mud