Astana and Kabul Agreed to Increase Transportation via Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have taken an important step towards the formation of a new major transport corridor, which is of strategic importance for the entire Central Asian region. During the recent visit of the Kazakh delegation to Kabul, a memorandum on the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway was signed. This event opens up new prospects for increasing regional trade turnover and strengthening transport and logistics ties, in which Turkmenistan plays a key role.
Turkmenistan as a Key Link in the New Trade Route
According to the information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu discussed with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaki the issues of creating an effective transport and logistics infrastructure. In this context, Kazakhstan's intention to invest in the construction of the Turgundi-Herat railway was confirmed.
During the negotiations, special attention was paid to the proposal to establish product deliveries to the western regions of Kazakhstan through the border town of Turgundi and the territory of Turkmenistan. This is not just a logistical solution, but a strategic route that:
Will strengthen Turkmenistan's transit potential: The country, with its developed railway infrastructure and geographical location, will become an even more important hub for regional and intercontinental transportation between Central Asia and South Asia.
Will ensure diversification of supplies: For Kazakh consumers, this is an opportunity to receive fresh produce from Afghanistan, especially in the off-season.
Will open new markets for Afghan producers: Farmers and entrepreneurs in Afghanistan will have direct access to the large Kazakh market.
Such cooperation is in line with Turkmenistan's long-term strategy to develop its own transport system as one of the key elements in the formation of the North-South and East-West international transport corridors.
Trade Turnover Growth and Regional Integration
Kazakhstan has expressed its readiness to increase trade turnover with Afghanistan to $3 billion per year and increase supplies of agricultural products, fuel and lubricants, mineral fertilizers and chemical products. In turn, Astana is interested in increasing purchases of Afghan goods. These plans, implemented through the territory of Turkmenistan, will undoubtedly benefit all participants, stimulating economic activity in the region.
Recall that Turkmenistan is already actively involved in the implementation of large regional transport projects with the participation of Afghanistan, and is also developing border crossings that contribute to the increase of trade and transit. The development of the Trans-Afghan route associated with Turgundi will strengthen the role of Turkmenistan as a stable and reliable partner in the region.
During the visit, issues of increasing quotas for Afghan students in Kazakhstan's universities were also discussed, which is part of efforts to integrate Afghanistan into the Central Asian economy.
Thus, the new memorandum between Astana and Kabul is an important step towards strengthening regional ties, where Turkmenistan will continue to play a strategic role in developing transport and logistics infrastructure and ensuring stability.
ORIENT
