Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have committed to strengthening their bilateral relationship, placing a significant emphasis on accelerating the implementation of the landmark Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project following high-level diplomatic discussions.
The commitment emerged from a virtual conference between Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi. The dignitaries underscored the ongoing development of bilateral ties and the importance of coordinated efforts to advance shared interests.
Both parties highlighted the implementation of joint economic ventures, official visits, and forthcoming programmes as vital areas for reinforcing their partnership. They also noted the value of the Afghanistan-Central Asia corridor as a framework for regional dialogue and cooperation.
This renewed push for the TAPI initiative builds on previous declarations of intent. According to Batyr Yolov, the Consul General of Turkmenistan and manager of the TAPI project in Afghanistan, 91 kilometres of the pipeline”s route had been prepared for pipe-laying as of January 2026.
In a related energy development, Afghanistan has finalised a roadmap for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line. Abdul Bari Omar, chief executive officer of Afghanistan’s national power utility, stated in December 2025 that the plan would be submitted to the Turkmen side in the near future.
Mr Omar also revealed Afghanistan’s goal to generate electrical energy by utilising hydrocarbons delivered through the TAPI gas conduit, stressing the imperative to conclude negotiations on gas tariff structures to move forward.
The relationship between the neighbouring countries is characterised by pragmatic economic collaboration, guided by Turkmenistan”s foreign policy of “positive neutrality.” Turkmenistan actively engages with the Taliban administration to maintain stability and security along their shared 804 km border.
This strategic partnership encompasses several key elements, including the TAPI pipeline, discounted electricity supplies from Turkmenistan, collaboration on infrastructure like the Lapis Lazuli corridor, and substantial trade agreements that surpassed $200 million in 2024.