Afghan and Turkmen officials met in Herat to discuss accelerating the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
Shaikh Maulana Islamjar, the governor of Herat, met with Baganj Abdullaev, head of the TAPI project in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan’s deputy consul, to review progress on the regional energy project and explore ways to strengthen trade and investment between the two neighboring countries.
During the meeting, Mr. Islamjar proposed establishing a joint Afghan-Turkmen trade exhibition in Afghanistan’s Turghandi region and Turkmenistan’s Sarhadabad. He said the exhibition would provide a platform to promote bilateral trade, showcase domestic products and deepen economic cooperation.
Mr. Abdullaev welcomed the proposal and thanked Herat’s local authorities for their continued support of the TAPI project. He said cooperation between Afghan and Turkmen officials has been important in helping move the project forward.
The TAPI pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. Supporters say the project could strengthen regional energy connectivity, boost trade and generate economic benefits for participating countries.