Discussions underway between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan on expanding collaborations in energy sector.

In a significant development, high-level talks between the Afghan government and Turkmenistan have taken place in Kabul, focusing on energy projects that could potentially transform Afghanistan's economy and address chronic power shortages.

The discussions centred around three key projects: delivering 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Turkmenistan to Kabul, expediting the TAP-500 transmission line, and pushing forward the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline.

The TAPI gas pipeline, a long-delayed project, was also a topic of discussion. This project, if successful, could provide transit revenues for Afghanistan and help address the country's power shortages.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and various regional governments have already financially supported the TAPI gas project. Future support is expected from multilateral development banks and investor countries involved in Central Asian regional energy cooperation.

Afghanistan's Minister of Water and Energy, Abdul Latif Mansoor, met Turkmenistan's Minister of Energy, Murad Artykov, and Turkmen ambassador Khoja Awadov during the talks. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to expand cooperation, with Mansoor stating that Afghanistan is ready to coordinate closely with Turkmenistan on these projects.

Artykov expressed condolences over the recent earthquake that struck Afghanistan's eastern provinces. He also mentioned that the initial stages of the TAP electricity project are progressing well.

Ashgabat is determined to move forward with joint ventures in Afghanistan, as stated by Artykov. Turkmenistan is ready to deliver on agreed energy projects, he added.

Kabul is committed to deepening ties, especially in the field of water and energy development. Progress on these energy projects may depend on financing, regional security, and international backing.

It's worth noting that approximately 35% of Afghans have access to reliable electricity, one of the lowest rates in the region (according to the World Bank). The successful implementation of these projects could significantly improve this statistic.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism for the future of their cooperation. With the support of regional partners and international organisations, these energy projects could bring about a brighter future for Afghanistan.