On October 20, in Herat Province, Afghanistan, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs.

Abdul Ghani Baradar emphasized that Afghanistan highly values its friendly ties with Turkmenistan, which pursues a foreign policy based on the principles of positive neutrality.

The National Leader of the Turkmen People, in turn, noted the age-old traditions of brotherhood and mutual respect that unite the Turkmen and Afghan peoples and noted the consistent strengthening of bilateral relations based on friendship and good-neighborliness.

During the meeting, the parties confirmed that Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are actively developing cooperation in trade, economics, fuel and energy, and transport and communications. It was emphasized that the advantageous geographic location of both countries is strategically important for the creation of transport and transit corridors throughout the region.

Particular attention was paid to the joint implementation of major regional projects, including the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the construction of power transmission lines and fiber-optic communication lines along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route.

As part of these initiatives, a ceremony was held today to mark the construction of the Serhetabat-Herat gas pipeline, symbolically named "Arkadagyň Ak ýoly" (Bright Path of Arkadag).

The Head of the Khalk Maslakhaty expressed confidence that such large-scale projects, uniting the states, will serve as a bridge of friendship and brotherhood between peoples. He emphasized that they will create significant opportunities for the further development of the two countries' economies, contribute to the well-being of the fraternal Afghan people, and provide them with new jobs.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, noting the strategic importance of their peace-loving neighbor, expressed his sincere gratitude to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their ongoing support and regular humanitarian aid.

The parties confirmed that joint work to further develop bilateral relations will continue.

ORIENT