Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, said during a meeting in Herat with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov that the TAPI project has created opportunities for expanding relations between countries.
Baradar added that as cooperation around the TAPI project has grown, a Saudi Arabian company has also expressed interest in investing in the project.
The Deputy Prime Minister also called on Turkmenistan to clarify its position on launching the Torghundi–Herat railway project, noting Kazakhstan’s interest in investing in the project.
During the meeting, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov stated that his country is committed to starting the Torghundi–Herat railway project. He also assured that the extension of the TAPI gas pipeline to Herat city will be completed by the end of the current calendar year.
Commenting on the meeting, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Hamdullah Fitrat, said: “The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs also expressed Afghanistan’s full readiness to finalize the roadmap for the TAP power project. In addition, he assured full cooperation from Afghanistan for the transmission of electricity to Bala Murghab, Khum Ab, and Qarqin districts, as well as for the launch of other regional connectivity projects. He also emphasized the importance of providing job opportunities for Afghans within ongoing projects between the two countries.”
