Turkmen – Afghan Agreement on the project of TAP power line is signed

Agreement between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the project of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan (TAP) power line was signed in Ashgabat.

The heads and specialists of profile departments of two neighbouring countries highlighted exclusive importance of new transnational energy line, which is to support growing requirements of South Asian countries in energy carriers and their economic development accordingly. What is important, the implementation of this project will support the provision of security, improvement of stability and peace in vast territory of the region and neighbouring countries.

As is known, foundation stone laying ceremony of this energy bridge was held in February this year with the participation of the Heads of the States and Governments of Turkmenistan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India. At the same time, the construction of Afghan part of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India (TAPI) gas line and TAP fibre optic line has been launched. The Agreement on Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan power line between the Governments of the countries participating in the project have been signed under the activities dedicated to that remarkable event.

During the meeting, the sides agreed on the subjects related to construction of transnational energy line on the territory of neighbouring states. In particular, the Agreement outlines the volumes of energy, which will be supplied to Afghanistan by new power line, 300 megawatt to Herat and Kandahar (600 megawatt in total). It is planned to increase up to 1000 megawatt in future.

On behalf of the Government and people of Afghanistan, the delegation of neighbouring country expressed the gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for comprehensive support and actual help rendered to their country. It was highlighted that Afghanistan highly appreciates peace-loving and far-seeing policy of Turkmenistan, which is an integral factor of improvement of stability and sustainable development in the region and cherishes friendly ad fraternal relations, which firmly consolidate the connections between the states and nations.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted several times including at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly that involvement of Afghanistan to realization of big energy, transport and communication projects as full partner is the main factor of provision of security and stable development in Central Asia. Herein lays strategic perspective for Afghanistan, its role in regional and global processes, guarantee of prosperity and wealth of Afghan people.

Turkmenistan takes particular measures aimed at social and economic revival of neighbouring country. This is indicated by supplies of energy and liquefied gas by discounted prices, construction of Imamnazar – Andhoy and Serhetabat – Herat power lines, which became important part of energy infrastructure of friendly state.

100megawatt per hour Rabatkashan – Kalaynau power line was put into operation this summer, which opened another direction of Turkmen power supply to northern provinces of Afghanistan. Huge work was carried out to implement this project. Turkmen specialist built number of energy supply facilities including substations and power lines of more than 112 km.

It is worth reminding that Protocol of Intent between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on construction of Kerky – Hamyap – Garkyn power line has been signed during the opening ceremony.

In this regard, it is necessary to mention that Turkmenistan has rich power resources and production of energy is traditionally thought to be one of the profitable productions in the world. following this, the volumes of investment to this perspective industry are always increased. Today, Turkmen energy industry demonstrates dynamic rates of development and is able to increase the export of energy, which is demanded on the world markets.

For the last few years, the infrastructure of the industry was supplemented by number of gas turbine power stations built in Ashgabat, Ahal, Balkan, Lebap and Dashoguz Velayats. Att he same time, dozens of distribution substations are built, system of energy supply and lighting of the capital, other cities and settlements is renewed. According to the Concept of development of energy industry of Turkmenistan in 2013 – 2020 approved by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, multiple reserve capacity are laid to new energy systems at the construction stage taking into account dynamic development of the capital and velayats, export potential of national energy sphere.

According to the Programme of social and economic development of the country in 2018 – 2024, total volume of energy produced in the country is planned to increase to 33 billion kilowatt—hours within next seven years.

Increment of the potential of the branch will support further growth of export of Turkmen energy to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan where formation of relevant infrastructure will allow opening new work places, thus making its contribution to stabilization of the situation on friendly country.

In this aspect, the Agreement that was signed between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will support further improvement of neighbouring relations