As reported by Omid Radio, Afghanistan has launched the 25th phase of exports from Herat province, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to expand trade with Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. During a ceremony in Herat, Governor Shaikh Maulana Islam Jar emphasized the growing production capabilities of Afghanistan, particularly … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part Five
Tariq Saeedi This is the concluding part of the series. We would look at some more hypothetical scenarios and give an executive summary of this report. Table 15: Polymer Industry Value Chain Development at Gwadar StageProductsInvestmentEmploymentRevenue PotentialMarketStage 1: Primary PolymersPolyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) Polypropylene (homo, co-polymer)$5-7 … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part Three
Tariq Saeedi In this part of the series, we will look at the scenarios of TAPI without the participation of India. TAPI Viability Without India: Comprehensive Justification Analysis Preamble: Regional Cooperation Preference We emphasize that Pakistan strongly supports India's continued participation in TAPI. India's involvement would: However, prudent strategic … [Read more...]
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium participated in the EU-Central Asia Dialogue on Afghanistan
On November 12, the 7th meeting of the EU-Central Asia Dialogue on Afghanistan was held in Brussels. Representatives of regional states and European Union institutions participated in the forum. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by S. Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium. Participants discussed current issues of sustainable … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-Devastated Afghanistan
The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care will send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which was devastated by the recent earthquakes. The proposal was announced at a meeting of the Foundation on Wednesday, 5 November, by its Executive Director and Vice President for Medical Affairs, Oguljahan Atabayeva. "At all times, the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Afghanistan Advance Industrial Cooperation, Plan New Transit Corridor
The third Kazakhstan–Afghanistan Business Forum and Afghan Goods Exhibition opened in Shymkent on Oct. 28, bringing together more than 180 Afghan entrepreneurs and representatives from both governments to expand trade, industrial cooperation, and humanitarian partnership. The event was attended by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik … [Read more...]
TAPI in Herat: Turkmen Gas for 500 Industrial Enterprises and a Catalyst for Economic Growth in Afghanistan
Recently, in Afghanistan’s Herat province, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, alongside a high-level Afghan delegation, launched the construction of the next phase of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline. This 153-kilometer section along the Serhetabat (Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Extend a Helping Hand to the Afghan People
On 21 October 2025, during a working visit to the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, announced Turkmenistan’s intention to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. The statement was made in the context of his recent visit to Afghanistan, where the next phase of the TAPI gas … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Energy Strategy in Action: Arkadag Berdimuhamedov Launches New Phase of TAPI in Afghanistan
Elvira Kadyrova On 20 October 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new phase of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat province, Afghanistan, according to the state news agency TDH. The new 153-kilometers long segment of the gas pipeline stretching from … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Visits TAPI Site in Afghanistan, Meets DPM Baradar Akhund
On 20 October 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmenistan people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, accompanied by a high-level delegation, met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund. The meeting took place at the TAPI project site on the territory of Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office … [Read more...]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Relations and the TAPI Project
On 5 October 2025, a telephone conversation took place between Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, according to the Afghanistan’s foreign ministry. During the discussion, the parties reviewed the current state and future prospects of political and economic … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Inks 25-Year Gas Deal with Uzbek Company to Boost Energy Independence
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has announced the signing of a significant contract for the development of the Toti-Maidan gas fields with the KAM Group and Uzbekistan's Railcom company. The agreement, spanning 25 years, marks a major step toward enhancing the country's energy sector and fostering regional economic ties. Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Energy Minister Meets with Afghanistan’s Minister of Water and Energy in Kabul
In Kabul, a meeting took place between Turkmenistan’s Energy Minister Annageldy Saparov and Afghanistan’s Minister of Water and Energy Abdul Latif Mansur. The meeting was also attended by Myrat Artykov, Head of the Department of International Electric Power Projects of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Energy, and Ambassador Khoja Ovezov. According to Afghanistan’s Ministry Energy … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Send Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan
Turkmenistan will send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan after a devastating earthquake left thousands dead and injured. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed an order for the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care to deliver the aid. The aid will be prioritized for children and residents most affected by the disaster. … [Read more...]
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Sign $243 Million Power Agreements to Boost Electricity Infrastructure
Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy have signed four major agreements worth $243 million aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s electricity infrastructure through the construction and expansion of transmission lines and substations. The deals, signed with Uzbek energy companies Nego Energy and Uz Energy, focus on expanding regional power … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan: Launch of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project – Expanding Logistics Opportunities for Central Asia
On 17 July 2025, a tripartite meeting was held in Kabul, marking a significant step in strengthening regional connectivity between Central and South Asia. During the meeting, representatives from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways signed a framework agreement to develop the feasibility study (FS) for … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan to Strengthen Connectivity Between Central and South Asia — Memorandum Signed on the Torghundi–Herat Railway Construction
The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the fundamental principles for the construction and operation of a railway linking Central and South Asia. The document was signed in Kabul following negotiations between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to Invest $500 Million in Torghundi–Herat Railway Project, Says Afghanistan
Kazakhstan plans to invest in the construction of the Torghundi–Herat railway line in Afghanistan. This was announced by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov during a meeting with Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization Summit in Khankendi, … [Read more...]
TAPI, trade and agriculture top agenda for Turkmenistan-Afghanistan Meeting on the sidelines of ECO Summit in Azerbaijan
On 3 July 2025, in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister Rashid Meredov met with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office of Afghanistan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ECO Summit. At the focus of the discussion was the multi-nation Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, … [Read more...]
Termez Dialogue 2025: Fostering Connectivity Between Central and South Asia
Executive Summary The Termez Dialogue, held from May 19 to 21, 2025, in Termez, Uzbekistan, convened approximately 200 delegates from over 20 countries to enhance economic, cultural, and security ties between Central and South Asia. Organized by Uzbekistan’s Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chamber of Commerce and … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Emerges as Key Corridor Linking Central and South Asia
Liluma Qadiry Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are planning to construct railway lines through Afghanistan to create shorter routes for regional trade. These projects aim to enhance economic relations and facilitate the transit of goods through western Afghanistan. Abdul Zahoor Mudaber, an economic affairs analyst, stated: “One of the core elements of trade is transportation. … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov highlights TAPI’s high social importance for Afghanistan and region
The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline is one of the most significant projects. The goal of this project is to provide natural gas to countries with a total population of 1.75 billion people in the modern era, said National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, speaking at an international conference in Ashgabat on the role of interregional … [Read more...]
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan meets Emir of Qatar, Regional Security and TAPI discussed with Qatar Prime Minister
On 16 March 2025, in Doha, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, Meredov conveyed greetings from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader … [Read more...]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Railway Cooperation: Important MoUs Signed
A technical delegation from Afghanistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Public Works for Railway Transport Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, visited Turkmenistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. The visit was marked by the signing of several important memoranda of understanding with the Turkmenistan Railway Agency. Within the framework of … [Read more...]
New railway route reduces travel time from China to Afghanistan by 3-5 days.
On Monday, 10 February 2025, a freight train departed from the Chinese city of Chongqing to Hairaton in Afghanistan, marking the launch of the first direct railway route connecting metropolis in southwestern China with Afghanistan, Xinhua reports. The train carrying 55 containers with communication equipment manufactured by the Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE will cross … [Read more...]
Dushanbe hosted a meeting of Special Representatives of the Central Asia and EU for Afghanistan
On February 5, 2025, the Sixth meeting of Special Representatives for Afghanistan in the format of «Central Asia – European Union» was held in Dushanbe. At the meeting, the Turkmen delegation was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov. During the session, a comprehensive exchange of views took place on priority issues of regional … [Read more...]
Afghanistan’s Trade with Central Asia Reaches $1.6 Billion
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that Afghanistan's trade with five Central Asian countries has reached a total value of $1.696 billion during the current solar year (March 2024 to March 2025), TOLOnews reported. According to ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, exports accounted for $112 million of this trade volume, while imports made up … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan officials discuss a major power line project TAP 500
Senior energy officials from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan met in Kabul to discuss the advancement of the TAP-500 power transmission project, marking a new chapter in regional energy cooperation. Myrat Artykov, Head of the Department of International Electric Power Projects of Turkmenistan's Ministry of Energy, met with Afghanistan's Acting Minister of Water and Energy, Abdul … [Read more...]
TAPI Update – Afghanistan lays 6 kilometers of the pipeline, Kazakhstan negotiates the joining to the project
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project is gaining momentum, with six kilometers of pipeline already laid in Afghanistan since the start of practical work early last month, Afghanistan’s Ariana news outlet reports with reference to the office of Herat Governor Maulana Islam Jar. In a statement on Monday, the governor’s press office confirmed … [Read more...]
A trilateral meeting on the TAP-500 transmission line project held in Kabul
On 27 January 2025, the inaugural trilateral meeting of representatives of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Çalık Holding was held in Kabul, dedicated to the launch of the operational phase of the large-scale TAP-500 power transmission line project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This was reported by the Afghan media outlets. Following the … [Read more...]
Iranian President’s visit to Tajikistan: Economy, security and regional issues in focus
From 15 to 17 January, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was on a state visit to Tajikistan. On January 16, Pezeshkian had summit talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, which resulted in the signing of 23 documents. The signed memoranda and programs cover a wide range of areas, including cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the UN Secretary General discussed security initiatives and plans for the International Year of Peace and Trust – Turkmenistan proposes to host two peacekeeping centers
On 14 January 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the UN Secretary General. During the conversation, the National Leader discussed Turkmenistan's … [Read more...]
First Kilometers of TAPI Pipeline Laid in Afghanistan
Almost three kilometers of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline section have been laid on the territory of Afghanistan, TOLOnews reports with reference to the spokesman of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan, Homayoun Afghan. "Currently, the TAPI project is progressing as planned. To date, 2.9 kilometers of the pipeline have been constructed … [Read more...]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Discuss Accelerating TAPI Pipeline Work
Acting Afghan Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Hidayatullah Badri, met with Muhammetmurad Amanov, CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited, in Kabul on 4 January 2025. The meeting focused on the latest progress of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, with a particular emphasis on accelerating the remaining construction work. The sides … [Read more...]
Afghanistan is going to boost electricity imports from Turkmenistan, Arghandi Substation in Kabul nears completion
The Ministry of Energy and Water of Afghanistan stated that 60% of the Arghandi Kabul 500-kilovolt substation has been completed, TOLONews reported. Matiullah Abid, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Water, described the Arghandi substation as a significant project in the country. He mentioned that its completion would significantly address the electricity-related … [Read more...]
The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan visited the TAPI construction site
On 15 December 2024, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov made a working visit to Afghanistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The delegation of Turkmenistan was accompanied by representatives of Afghanistan, headed by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi. The purpose … [Read more...]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan renewed electricity agreement for 2025
Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) has renewed the power purchase agreement for 2025 with Turkmenistan. The agreement was signed during company’s delegation visit to Turkmenistan, led Dr. Abdul Bari Omar, the Chief Executive Officer. According to DABS, under this agreement, electricity will be imported from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan via four routes: Andkhoy, Aqina, … [Read more...]
Afghan and Turkmen officials discussed logistical aspects of the TAPI gas pipeline project
Representatives of various government departments of Afghanistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Finance for Customs and Revenue Abdul Mateen Saeed, held a meeting with Deputy Head of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan Elamanov, Director General of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited Mukhammetmurad Amanov and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, … [Read more...]
Turkmen and Afghan officials met to discuss construction of a temporary port for transporting TAPI project equipment
A meeting was held in Serhetabat, Turkmenistan, between representatives of relevant Afghan and Turkmen agencies to discuss the construction of a temporary port at the Islam Cheshme border crossing between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. According to the press release of the Afghanistan’s Ministry of mining and petroleum, the port will be used to transport equipment and … [Read more...]
Head of UNRCCA visits Termez
On 24 November 2024, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, Kaha Imnadze, visited Termez, Uzbekistan, at the border with Afghanistan in order to get acquainted with the Regional UN Logistics Hub as well as the Free Economic Zone “Airitom” and the Education Centre for Afghan Nationals. The visit was facilitated by the Government of Uzbekistan. Mr. Imnadze was accompanied … [Read more...]
Afghanistan is Ready to Accept 200,000 Tons of Grain from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) announced that Afghanistan is prepared to import approximately 200,000 tons of grain products from Kazakhstan. KTZ recently held negotiations with shippers and the Beine grain elevator to discuss the logistics of transporting grain to Afghanistan. Representatives from JSC NC Prodcorporation (Food Contract Corporation) also participated in the … [Read more...]
OGT 2024: TAPI is gaining momentum – improving the situation in Afghanistan opens up new prospects
The situation in Afghanistan is improving significantly and this provides an opportunity to promote the construction of the transnational Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline. This was stated by Mukhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAPI Pipeline, responsible for the implementation of this infrastructure project, during a … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan Target $3 Billion in Trade
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have signed a partnership roadmap aimed at boosting bilateral trade to a value of $3 billion. The agreement was inked by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Minister of Trade and Industry Nooriddin Azizi during bilateral business forum in Almaty on 22 October. The roadmap outlines a broad range of cooperation areas, including trade, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan invites CIS countries to participate in infrastructure projects toward South Asia – this is powerful idea with enormous potential
Tariq Saeedi Turkmenistan has invited the CIS countries to take part in the emerging and planned infrastructure projects aimed at connectivity with South Asia and beyond. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the summit of the heads of state of CIS, floated the idea. The summit was held in Moscow on 8 October 2024. Here is the relevant portion from the speech … [Read more...]
High Demand for Kazakh Grain in Central Asia
A recent forum of grain exporters and importers in Tashkent, Central Asia, highlighted the growing demand for Kazakh grain in the region. As reported by Kazinform, Uzbek farmers are currently harvesting 20 million tons of grain this year and are already exploring export opportunities. “We invited entrepreneurs who buy grain and fat-and-oil products from Kazakhstan to the … [Read more...]
Investments of Turkmenistan in Afghanistan exceed USD 1.5 Billion
The deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, conducted recently a briefing for the diplomats and media. Among the subjects he covered was the launch of the work on the infrastructure projects in Afghanistan including the first section of TAPI. According to the reports from a number of the Afghan media outlets, Meredov said that Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan hosted a briefing dedicated to the TAPI project launch
On September 15, 2024, a briefing was held at the Afghan Foreign Ministry dedicated to the launch of new stages of construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline and other transport and communications projects. The briefing was attended by Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi and heads of departments of the … [Read more...]
Afghanistan: Nearly 700 Million in Trade Conducted With Central Asian Countries
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said that in the first five months of the current solar year, Afghanistan has conducted trade worth nearly $700 million with Central Asian countries. Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, said that around $60 million of exports have been made, and the ministry is working to increase the level of exports to Central … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov met with Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund
On 11 September 2024, the National leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Acting Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund at the Islim-Cheshmeh border checkpoint in Serkhetabat, Takhtabazar district, Mary province. The meeting took place before the opening and groundbreaking ceremonies at Turkmenistan-Afghanistan … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the opening and groundbreaking ceremonies of energy, transport, communication and logistics infrastructure facilities at Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border
Dear compatriots! Dear friends! Dear guests! Today is marked by a truly historic event for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. We are witnessing the successful implementation of a number of major projects with the blessing of Arkadagly Hero Serdar. There are seven of them in total. First of all, we are talking about the laying of the Serkhetabat – Herat section, called … [Read more...]