Turkmenistan has invested over $1.5bn in joint infrastructure projects with Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov announced on September 19. This investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance political, economic, and transportation ties with the neighboring country, Amu reported.

“We aim to enhance our commercial, transportation, and transit relations with Afghanistan,” Meredov stated during a meeting dedicated to bilateral infrastructure development.

The minister also urged regional partners, including India, Pakistan, international banks, and the Asian Development Bank, to contribute to the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. This major initiative aims to boost regional energy cooperation and strengthen economic ties.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid welcomed the growing economic relationship, noting, “Economic relations and bilateral cooperation between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan are currently expanding.”

The meeting was attended by ambassadors from China and India, as well as representatives from the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations, all expressing support for the ongoing implementation of these joint projects.

The TAPI pipeline is expected to stabilize Afghanistan’s economy by creating jobs and improving energy access while reinforcing Turkmenistan’s position as a regional energy hub.