Afghanistan, Turkmenistan discuss TAPI, rail and power projects in Herat meeting

Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, met on Sunday in Herat with Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, to discuss major regional connectivity and energy projects.

The meeting was attended also by Afghanistan’s Minister of Mines and Petroleum Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Energy and Water Mohammad Younus Akhundzada, as well as Turkmenistan’s ministers of transport and railways, state officials, and the head of the Turkmengaz state company, along with senior officials from both sides.

During the talks, the two delegations reviewed progress on the TAPI gas pipeline, TAP power transmission project, railway development, and electricity cooperation. Baradar said the launch of the TAPI project has strengthened ties between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and other regional countries, adding that Saudi Arabia’s Delta International Company has expressed interest in investing in multiple aspects of the project.

According to Baradar, Delta International is willing to invest in gas purchases from the TAPI project, expanding Turkmenistan’s major gas fields, constructing and extending the gas pipeline from Ghorian district of Herat to Spin Boldak in Kandahar and onward to the Indian border, as well as building a large modern gas hub at Pakistan’s Gwadar port.

Baradar also urged Turkmenistan to clarify its position on the Torghundi–Herat railway project, noting that Kazakhstan has shown strong interest in its implementation. He reaffirmed Afghanistan’s readiness to finalize the TAP project route map and pledged full cooperation on electricity transmission to Bala Murghab, Khomab and Qarqin districts, along with other regional connectivity initiatives.

He further emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities for Afghans through ongoing and future projects.

Speaking at the meeting, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov thanked the Islamic Emirate for facilitating the implementation of the TAPI project and said construction is expected to reach Herat city by the end of the current year. He welcomed the interest of foreign companies in investing in the project and stressed the need for close coordination.

Meredov also expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to invest in the Torghundi–Herat railway project, noting that practical work has already begun in Torghundi. He added that Turkmenistan is prepared to increase electricity exports to Afghanistan through five transmission routes.

In addition, the two sides discussed expanding trade, enhancing banking cooperation, creating employment opportunities, and jointly managing economic projects across various sectors.

The meeting concluded with technical teams from both countries presenting detailed updates on the progress of ongoing projects.