In the context of persistent instability in the Middle East and other regions of the world, partnership between states for the sake of peace and for the benefit of peoples is of particular importance. One of the vivid examples of such constructive interaction is the relations between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, which are actively developing cooperation in various spheres.
Despite the difficulties faced by Afghanistan in its development, Turkmenistan is strongly in favor of expanding partnership with its southern neighbor, both within the framework of bilateral ties and in the implementation of large-scale regional projects with the participation of other states in the region. At the same time, Ashgabat's actions are characterized by prudence, consistency and focus on concrete practical steps that can bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders.
A clear demonstration of commitment to this approach is the worker's visit A delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov visited Afghanistan in December 2023. The main purpose of the trip was to discuss with the Afghan leadership the implementation of a number of large-scale joint infrastructure projects designed to radically improve the socio-economic situation in Afghanistan and strengthen its role as one of the key transport and communication hubs in the Central and South Asian region.
Fruitful working visit: strengthening the Turkmen-Afghan partnership
A delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov paid a working visit to Afghanistan's Herat province on December 16-17.
The key topics of the talks with the Afghan leadership were energy and transportation projects implemented with Ashgabat's support in Afghanistan.
In particular, the TAPI gas pipeline, the TAP power transmission line, and the development of railroad infrastructure were discussed. These projects play a crucial role in improving the economic situation in Afghanistan. Their early completion will pave the way both for the growth of domestic production and consumption and for increasing the country's transit potential.
The Turkmen leadership's far-sighted and consistent approach to the development of relations with the neighboring country is particularly noted. Turkmenistan has always been in favor of expanding comprehensive cooperation, seeing this as a guarantee of peace and well-being in the region.
In addition to the talks, the participants of the visit visited a number of infrastructure facilities symbolizing the unbreakable bond between the two countries. In particular, they familiarized themselves with the progress of work on key sections of the TAPI gas pipeline and the TAP power transmission line. These visits once again demonstrated the unwavering determination of Ashgabat and Kabul to realize strategically important projects for both countries.
Energy projects as a guarantee of stability and prosperity of the region
One of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan is energy. This refers to such large-scale projects as the TAPI gas pipeline and the TAP power transmission line.
TAPI is designed to supply Turkmen gas to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan. This project is extremely beneficial for all participants, as it opens up new export routes for Turkmenistan and sources of transit revenues and access to cheap fuel for Afghanistan.
In turn, the TAP transmission line will connect the energy systems of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This will also allow Kabul not only to receive electricity from outside, but also to export it.
The implementation of these projects will significantly strengthen Afghanistan's energy security, boost its economy and strengthen integration ties in the Central and South Asian region. It is no coincidence that during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Herat, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the early completion of work in this area.
Development of transport corridors is key to Afghanistan's economic recovery
Another crucial area of bilateral cooperation is transportation infrastructure. Turkmenistan is actively assisting Afghanistan in modernizing and expanding its railway network.
In particular, such projects as the extension of the 30-kilometer Aqina-Andkhoy branch line, construction of the 10-kilometer Andkhoy-Shibirgan section, as well as laying the Turgundi-Sanabar-Herat track were discussed during the recent talks. The Afghan side has also expressed interest in a railroad connection to the city of Mazar-e-Sharif.
The implementation of these plans will significantly increase the volume of cargo traffic between the two countries, as well as the transit potential of Afghanistan. This, in turn, will give a powerful impetus to the development of the national economy, employment growth and the well-being of the population of this largely war-torn country.
Thus, the construction of modern transportation corridors with the support of Turkmenistan is one of the key factors of post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery of Afghanistan.
Humanitarian support to Afghanistan in a spirit of good-neighborliness
In addition to major infrastructure projects, the humanitarian dimension plays an important role in Turkmen-Afghan relations. Turkmenistan has consistently provided assistance to the Afghan people, especially in difficult times.
A vivid example of this is Ashgabat's prompt response to the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan's Herat province in October 2023. On the order of the President of Turkmenistan, the neighboring country received a dispatched Humanitarian assistance, including medicines, food and other essential goods.
This is just one of the numerous examples of the Turkmen people's concern for their Afghan neighbors. Based on the principles of humanism and good-neighborliness, Turkmenistan intends to continue to provide humanitarian support to Afghanistan to overcome the consequences of the long-standing war and solve acute social problems.
Further deepening partnership for regional stability
Turkmenistan's efforts to increase comprehensive cooperation with Afghanistan have good prospects. Already now the interaction covers such spheres as trade, energy, transportation and humanitarian support.
However, there is potential for further expansion of the partnership. In particular, it is possible to implement joint economic and infrastructure projects with the involvement of investors from third countries. The participation of Turkmen companies in the restoration of Afghanistan's industry and agriculture looks promising.
As acute humanitarian and economic issues are resolved, Afghanistan will become an increasingly attractive partner for external business and regional states. And Turkmenistan's constructive foreign policy line creates a solid basis for long-term strategic cooperation between the two countries for the sake of peace and prosperity in the region.
Summarizing the results, we can confidently state that cooperation between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan demonstrates real effectiveness and makes a significant contribution to strengthening peace and ensuring sustainable development in the Central Asian region.
Both countries are consistently increasing cooperation in key areas - energy, transportation, and humanitarian support. The implementation of joint large-scale projects such as TAPI and TAP is fundamentally changing Afghanistan's infrastructure landscape, contributing to the growth of its economy and its full return to the global community.
Turkmenistan's balanced and constructive approach to the development of good-neighborly relations with Afghanistan serves as a model of how tangible progress for the sake of peace and creation can be achieved in practice under difficult conditions. It is precisely such partnerships between States that give hope for a better future for the entire region.
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