Afghanistan and Turkmenistan discuss expanding energy cooperation

Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation on major energy projects, including electricity transmission and the long-delayed TAPI gas pipeline, during high-level talks in Kabul.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Water and Energy, Abdul Latif Mansoor, met Turkmenistan’s Minister of Energy, Murad Artykov, and Turkmen ambassador Khoja Awadov at the ministry’s conference hall. The talks focussed on delivering 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Turkmenistan to Kabul, expediting the TAP-500 transmission line, and pushing forward the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) pipeline.

Mansoor said Afghanistan was ready to coordinate closely with Turkmenistan on the projects. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is fully prepared to provide the necessary support and cooperation for the implementation of these projects,” he said, adding that Kabul was committed to deepening ties “especially in the field of water and energy development.”

Artykov expressed condolences over the recent earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, killing dozens of people. He praised Kabul’s cooperation and said Ashgabat was determined to move forward with joint ventures. “The initial stages of the TAP electricity project are progressing well,” he said, stressing Turkmenistan’s “full readiness” to deliver on agreed projects.

Energy analysts say regional projects such as TAPI could transform Afghanistan’s economy, providing transit revenues and addressing chronic power shortages. According to the World Bank, only around 35% of Afghans have access to reliable electricity, one of the lowest rates in the region.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their intention to expand cooperation. Observers note that progress will depend on financing, regional security, and international backing

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