Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Review TAPI Pipeline

Afghanโ€“Turkmen Border Meeting

A high-level Afghan delegation, led by IEA Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held an official meeting with a Turkmen delegation at the shared border between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to review progress and readiness for major regional infrastructure projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, railway development, and electricity initiatives.

The meeting reflects growing regional cooperation aimed at strengthening economic ties, energy connectivity, and infrastructure development across Central and South Asia.

High-Level Participation from Both Sides

During the visit, both delegations jointly toured:

The Turkmen delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Raศ™id Meredov, accompanied by the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Turkmenistan and other senior officials.

Inspection of Key Infrastructure Projects

During the visit, both delegations jointly toured:

The inspections focused on evaluating technical preparedness and coordination for the practical commencement of the TAPI pipeline project within Afghan territory.

Afghanistan Confirms Readiness for TAPI Pipeline

Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi assured the Turkmen side that all relevant Afghan government departments have completed their internal preparations for the extension of the TAPI pipeline inside Afghanistan.

He confirmed that Afghanistan is fully prepared to begin practical implementation work on the project, emphasizing the governmentโ€™s commitment to facilitating regional energy cooperation.

Minister Muttaqi also welcomed Turkmenistanโ€™s investments in:

He noted that these initiatives will significantly contribute to economic growth, not only for Afghanistan and Turkmenistan but for the wider region as well.

Turkmenistan Reaffirms Commitment

Turkmen Foreign Minister Raศ™id Meredov expressed his countryโ€™s full readiness to move forward with the TAPI project. He confirmed that Turkmenistan is prepared to:

This commitment highlights Turkmenistanโ€™s strategic role in advancing regional energy and transport connectivity.

Electricity Infrastructure Progress

Towards the conclusion of the meeting, it was announced that the Noor al-Jihad electricity substation is nearing completion and is expected to become operational in the near future. This project will play an important role in strengthening cross-border electricity supply and infrastructure stability.

About the TAPI Pipeline Project

The Turkmenistanโ€“Afghanistanโ€“Pakistanโ€“India (TAPI) gas pipeline is one of the regionโ€™s most significant energy projects. Designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, the pipeline aims to enhance energy security and economic cooperation across multiple countries.

Construction of the project began in Turkmenistan on December 13, 2015. As the primary gas supplier, Turkmenistan plays a central role in the project, seeking to diversify its energy export routes while promoting long-term regional economic integration.

Advancing Regional Cooperation

The border meeting between Afghan and Turkmen officials marks a critical step toward the practical implementation of the TAPI pipeline and associated infrastructure projects. With both sides reaffirming readiness and commitment, the initiatives are expected to boost regional connectivity, economic development, and energy cooperation across Central and South Asia.

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