Earlier today, prior to noon, the formal commencement of work on the TAPI pipeline, as well as other key development projects including (oil and gas, energy, and transport) between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, was launched. The event featured the participation of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate, H.E Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, and the National Leader of Turkmenistan, H.E Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
At the ceremonial event held in the Suleym Cheshmeh area of Mary, Turkmenistan, the President of Turkmenistan joined via video conference. directives were provided to technical officials, initiating the work on the TAPI pipeline and associated development projects. These projects including (oil and gas, energy, and transport), were formally inaugurated during the event.
In his speech, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, H.E Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, offered his congratulations to the people of both Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, as well as to the National Leader of Turkmenistan, the President, officials, and other dignitaries present on this significant occasion. He stated that this day marks the fruition of years of anticipation and effort, as the two countries have persevered through numerous challenges and obstacles to initiate these landmark projects.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the inauguration of these pivotal projects underscores the goodwill and strategic foresight of the National Leader of Turkmenistan, along with other officials. He further stated that these initiatives would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, delivering substantial economic and social benefits to the populations of both countries.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged the relevant Emirati officials to dedicate themselves to the diligent and sincere execution of the projects, even in the face of potential challenges, to ensure their successful completion.
H.E. Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund in his closing remarks prayed that these major development projects would bring the two nations and their governments closer.
H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of Turkmenistan, who joined via video conference, highlighted that the foundation of major projects, such as the TAPI and TAP pipelines, marks a significant step. He underscored that these projects are crucial to strengthen relations between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and will provide considerable benefits to the region.
Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the National Leader of Turkmenistan, called today a historic milestone which marks a new era in Afghanistan -Turkmenistan relations. He emphasized that the enduring partnership between the two nations is founded on mutual respect, equality, and strong brotherhood, and he expressed optimism for further development and expansion of this relationship in the future.
The National Leader of Turkmenistan highlighted that the cooperation in transportation, telecommunications, and energy represents a new era of genuine friendship between the two nations. He reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to sustained economic, political, and diplomatic collaboration with Afghanistan.
Mr. Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov emphasized that these projects will significantly enhance Afghanistan's economy by creating 12,000 jobs and generate approximately one billion dollars’ annual revenue for Afghanistan. Furthermore, these projects will facilitate exports to Europe and strengthen the connectivity between Central and South Asia.
The regional TAPİ pipeline project, which transports Turkmen gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India, spans 1,821 kilometers and has an annual capacity of 33 billion cubic meters. Afghanistan is expected to earn $400 million annually from transit fees. Furthermore, the Torghundi Port development includes a 22-kilometer railway from Herat to Sanoobar region and it will cost an estimated amount of $40 million along with it associated facilities.
The Noor al-Jihad substation, funded with $3,539,295 by Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat(DABS) , has been constructed to secure a reliable electricity supply for Herat province. This upgrade will raise the voltage from 110V to 220V and decrease technical losses. Furthermore, the fiber optic project will connect Afghanistan to Europe through Turkmenistan and connect Turkmenistan to Pakistan and other neighboring countries through Afghanistan.
