TURKMENISTAN AND RUSSIA ARE CONFIDENT THAT THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO THE POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC SETTLEMENT OF THE SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN

On November 27, 2020, an online meeting of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan V. Hajiyev with the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Afghanistan Z. Kabulov took place.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the issues related to the assistance of the international community on arranging and launching the peace talks on establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan. 

In addition, the delegation of Turkmenistan voiced the initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan on the assistance to the advancement of the intra-Afghan talks by providing the political space for one of the next of their rounds. The commitment of the Government of Turkmenistan to promoting the socio-economic development of Afghanistan was also expressed which is manifested in large-scale infrastructure projects initiated by Turkmenistan, including the construction of social facilities on the territory of the neighboring country on a gratuitous basis.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, electricity and communication lines along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route, as well as railways connecting Turkmenistan with Afghanistan and other countries of the region. The importance of these projects for the Afghan economy and for the subsequent integration of the country into the processes of the world economy, as well as for the strengthening of internal security was emphasized.

During the meeting, the sides expressed interest in continuing cooperation aimed at maintaining security and stability in the region.