TAPI to strengthen ties between Kabul, Ashgabat: PM Akhund

KABUL (Pajhwok): Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund on Wednesday hoped the inauguration of practical work on the TAPI gas pipeline project in Afghanistan will enhance the friendship between Kabul and Ashgabat.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the implementation of these projects held significant importance not only for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, but for the entire region.

The TAPI and other development projects, including oil, gas, energy, and transport, were officially launched today in the presence of Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and Turkmen political leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Turkmen President Sardar Berdimuhamedov also joined the ceremony via a video link and directed technical officials to commence work on TAPI and other development projects.

Prime Minister Akhund remarked, "Today is a day we long awaited. After enduring numerous difficulties, we finally reached the stage where these major projects can be inaugurated."

He added that these projects would strengthen the bonds between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and bring significant benefits to both nations.

He praised the inauguration of these critical projects as a testament to the positive intentions and wise policies of Turkmenistan's national leader and other officials. He urged relevant government officials to work diligently and with dedication to complete these projects.

President Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of these projects not just for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, but for the broader region.

He described the day as historic for both countries and noted that their relations exemplify good neighborliness. He expressed confidence that these relations will continue to expand.

The Turkmen President also emphasized the significance of ongoing cooperation between the two nations in economic, political, and diplomatic areas.

He added that the projects would have a positive impact on Afghanistan’s economic development, industrial growth, and social life.

Additionally, he projected that the schemes would create 12,000 jobs in Afghanistan and generate approximately $1 billion in annual revenue.

The TAPI project, which traverses1,800 kilometers, including 816 kilometers in Afghanistan, was initially launched in 2016, but practical work was yet to commence.

The first phase of the project will bring gas to Herat. The second phase will extend from Herat to Helmand province, where a user center will be established.

In the third phase, the scheme will reach Kandahar province, before the pipeline stretched to Pakistan and India, benefiting the entire region economically.

Afghanistan’s annual revenue from transit fees is expected to be $400 million.

sa/ma