Afghan and Turkmen officials are actively working to resolve the remaining legal issues surrounding the TAPI pipeline project, paving the way for its practical implementation.
Kabul 24: Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, recently met with the Turkmen Ambassador to discuss the resolution of these legal matters.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum stated that a significant portion of the legal challenges in Afghanistan have been addressed, and the two countries continue their joint efforts to finalize the outstanding issues.
Concerns Delaying the Project
Economic experts emphasize that the initiation of the TAPI project in Afghanistan has faced delays due to a lack of interest from the involved countries.
The non-recognition of the Islamic Emirate and concerns about security in Afghanistan are major reasons for the delays, as the involved countries seek excuses to hold off on the high-cost project.
The political changes and instability in Afghanistan have prevented the practical implementation of the TAPI project, which was inaugurated in 2016 by the leaders of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Importance of the TAPI Pipeline
The TAPI pipeline project is aimed at transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India, with the potential to enhance regional cooperation and energy security.
Once operational, the $10 billion, 1,600-kilometer pipeline is expected to carry 33 billion cubic meters of gas annually and provide economic benefits, including transit fees and energy trade, for the participating countries.
