KABUL (SW) – The practical work on the TAPI pipeline project, a regional initiative designed to transport Turkmenistan’s gas through Afghanistan to South Asia, commenced on Wednesday, September 11, within Afghan territory.
Senior officials from the Islamic Emirate and Turkmenistan highlighted the significance of such major projects during the inauguration ceremony of the TAPI project and several other initiatives in Afghanistan. They expressed their “mutual goodwill” and the importance of the collaborative efforts.
Serdar Gurbangulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow , the president of Turkmenistan, said, “This project is a symbol of goodwill, friendship, and brotherhood between the people of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.”
Under the agreement between Kabul and Ashgabat, in addition to the TAPI project, other projects such as Fiber Optic networks, the Torghundi-Herat railway, and the Noor al-Jihad electrical substation are set to be implemented in Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate officials emphasize that these projects will provide Afghanistan with low cost gas, increased transit revenue, improved transit relations, and better internet quality as key benefits that will significantly impact the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, remarked, “It is gratifying to see the Afghan people’s grand vision coming to fruition. We have awaited this project for 30 years, and the TAPI project is vital for Afghanistan’s and the region’s economy.”
It is noteworthy that the memorandum of understanding for the TAPI project was signed during the Republic era between Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
While the Islamic Emirate has not disclosed further details, it has been announced that amendments have been made to the agreement to benefit Afghanistan.
The de-facto officials underscore that the practical work on the TAPI project has commenced earnestly from both Kabul and Ashgabat, with the first phase in Afghanistan expected to be valued at approximately $600 million.
Homayun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP), mentioned, “The budget for the first phase of the TAPI project is nearly $600 million, which is being funded by Turkmenistan.”
It should be noted that security issues and a lack of necessary infrastructure had previously delayed the practical work on the TAPI project in Afghanistan for several years.
