Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey have taken a significant step toward implementing the TAP-500 electricity project. The first trilateral meeting was held in Kabul, bringing together Afghan officials, Turkmen representatives, and a Turkish company. The talks focused on initiating the project’s practical implementation.
TAP-500 to Supply Electricity and Boost Afghan Economy
The TAP-500 project aims to transfer high-voltage electricity from Turkmenistan to Pakistan. The transmission line will pass through the Afghan provinces of Herat, Farah, Helmand, and Kandahar. This project will not only provide electricity to these regions but also generate substantial revenue for Afghanistan through electricity transit fees.
Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the economic benefits of the project. He stated that once implemented, the TAP-500 will contribute to Afghanistan’s energy supply and financial stability.
Joint Secretariat to Oversee Implementation
To facilitate the project’s execution, a joint secretariat will be established. This body will coordinate efforts among various Afghan ministries and stakeholders. Takal noted that both Turkmenistan and Turkey are eager to see the project move forward.
The Kabul meeting brought together key officials from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Water and Energy, Breshna Company, and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Energy. They discussed the project’s roadmap and outlined steps for its immediate implementation.
Turkmen Delegation Strengthens Coordination
Turkmen officials also met with the acting Afghan Minister of Energy and Water. They held discussions with Breshna Company’s leadership to enhance coordination. The meetings focused on overcoming technical and logistical challenges.
Hikmatullah Maiwandi, spokesperson for Breshna Company, highlighted the importance of these talks. He stated that the discussions aimed to expand cooperation and accelerate the TAP-500’s launch in Afghanistan.
Overcoming Past Challenges
The TAP-500 project has faced significant delays. The former head of Breshna Company, Amanullah Ghalib, revealed that Pakistan had previously obstructed the project’s implementation. However, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan are now moving forward with the first phase of the project within Afghan territory.
Ghalib stressed that the project holds strategic importance for Afghanistan. It will allow Turkmen electricity to reach Pakistan while ensuring power supply for Afghan provinces such as Herat and Kandahar.
TAP-500 and TAPI: Regional Energy Initiatives
The TAP-500 project is part of a broader regional effort to enhance energy connectivity. Alongside the TAPI pipeline, this initiative seeks to integrate Turkmenistan’s energy resources into South Asian markets.
An agreement between Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan was reached under the former Afghan government. However, practical work had not started. The new push for implementation signals renewed commitment to regional energy cooperation.
Afghanistan’s caretaker government views the project as a crucial step toward economic revival. With strong backing from Turkmenistan and Turkey, officials are hopeful that the TAP-500 will soon become operational.
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