THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY OF TURKMENISTAN AND THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER RESOURCES OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN WAS SIGNED

On October 11, 2018, the Agreement on power transmission line project Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Energy and water resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was signed in Ashgabat.   

In the course of meetings, the heads and experts of the two neighboring countries underlined the significance of constructing new transnational power transmission line to meet increasing energy needs in South Asian countries and support their economic growth. It is important that, the implementation of the project will help to ensure security, strengthen stability and peace in the whole region and neighboring states.     

During the meeting, the matters on construction of transnational power transmission line in the territories of the countries involved were agreed. Particularly, the Agreement defines the volumes of electric power to be exported to Afghanistan through new transmission line. It is 300 megawatts to Herat and Kandahar respectively (600 megawatts in total). It is planned to reach 1000 megawatts in the future.      

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underlined repeatedly in his speech including the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly that the key factor to ensure security and sustainable development in Central Asia is to engage Afghanistan as a full-fledged member in large energy, transport and communications projects implementation.     

On behalf of the Government and Afghan nation, the authorities extended gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his great support and assistance to the neighboring country. It was underlined that peaceful and visionary policies of Turkmenistan were highly appreciated in Afghanistan. These policies are integral factors to strengthen stability and sustainable development and Afghan people highly value brotherly and neighborly bonds that effectively strengthen relations between the countries and nations. 

In this regard, The Agreement between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Energy and water resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will promote further strengthening of good neighborly relations.