Speech of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs During Meeting with the Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
To the Honorable Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the friend country of Turkmenistan, and the accompanying delegation,
Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Welcome to your second home, Afghanistan. You are most warmly welcomed.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan are two neighboring and friend countries that share common religious, historical, cultural, and economic ties. These shared commonalities have strengthened relations between the two countries.
Today is a good opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and economic issues, particularly the TAPI, TAP, railways, electricity, and trade-related matters.
Among other shared economic interests, the TAPI project is one of the major economic projects that, on the one hand, has created grounds for expanding further cooperation between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, and on the other hand, has strengthened relations among the countries of the region.
As you are aware, Delta International Company has expressed interest in investing in the TAPI project and has shared the following points with us. Afghanistan would like to hear your views on these matters:
First: Signing a long-term natural gas purchase agreement and determining the price.
Second: Setting the annual gas purchase volume at up to thirty (30) billion cubic meters.
Third: Direct investment of up to thirty (30) billion US dollars to increase production capacity in Turkmenistan’s large “Galkynysh” gas block.
Fourth: Full responsibility for the construction and extension of the natural gas transmission pipeline from Guzara District of Herat Province to Spin Boldak District of Kandahar Province.
Fifth: Based on a separate agreement with Pakistan, extension of the gas pipeline from Spin Boldak to the Indian border and its connection to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.
Sixth: At the official request of Pakistan, construction of a major gas hub and a modern storage facility at Gwadar Port.
Furthermore, determining the price of the gas to be imported into Afghanistan as a result of the TAPI project is considered one of the important and fundamental issues. We hope that the final decision regarding the price will be shared with Afghanistan.
We believe that the full implementation of the TAPI project can play a fundamental role in regional energy connectivity, economic stability, and sustainable cooperation.
On behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the roadmap for the TAP project has been finalized, and our request is that it be signed by both sides during this meeting.
Alhamdullilah, the works of the Noor-ul-Jihad Substation project have been completed. We request that, as soon as possible, the construction of the Torghundi–Herat railway project, the transmission of electricity to Bala Murghab, Khamab, and Qarqin, and other vital and development-oriented regional connectivity projects be initiated. Inshallah, we are ready for all kinds of cooperation in these areas.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of the ECO organization, among many other issues, it was also agreed that you would personally follow up on the Torghundi–Herat railway construction project and would travel to Afghanistan for the purpose of signing the contract of the said project. On the other hand, Kazakhstan has also shown strong interest, through Afghanistan, in the implementation of this project. We hope that you will clarify your position on this matter to Afghanistan in the shortest possible time.
One of the main objectives of the ongoing projects between the two countries is the creation of employment opportunities. In this regard, we request your special attention to ensure that employment opportunities are provided for Afghans.
I also believe that, considering existing opportunities and needs, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan can become strong economic partners in the region. It is necessary for the two friend countries to work together in the initiation and management of projects in the fields of mining, transport, transit, services, regional infrastructure, and basic development projects, which will play an effective role in the economic stability, development, and prosperity of both countries in the near future.
Likewise, Turkmenistan has made progress in the agricultural sector. The Islamic Emirate wishes to benefit from the experiences of this country in agriculture, and I hope that the technical teams of both countries will work jointly in this field.
As banking interactions and facilities are a fundamental factor in strengthening bilateral trade, we request that banking branches be opened in Ashgabat and Kabul so that traders may be relieved of many difficulties and inconveniences.
Finally, once again, I express my gratitude to the friend country of Turkmenistan for its cooperation and goodwill toward Afghanistan, and I hope that the existing joint technical working teams will work together and cooperate effectively on the aforementioned and other issues.
Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.