Taliban’s Mullah Baradar Discusses TAP Pipeline, Railways, and Electricity with Turkmenistan Official
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the economic deputy of the Taliban’s Prime Minister’s Office, met with Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, in Herat province to discuss the TAP pipeline project, railway expansion, and electricity transmission.
Hamdullah Fetrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban administration, announced on Sunday, January 31, through a press release that the meeting was also attended by acting ministers of Mines and Petroleum, and Energy and Water. According to him, the focus of the discussions was on major regional connectivity projects.
According to the press release, Mullah Baradar stated that the practical commencement of the TAP pipeline project could pave the way for expanding relations between the Taliban administration, Turkmenistan, and other regional countries. He also revealed interest from the international company Delta from Saudi Arabia to invest in various sectors of this project.
The information provided indicated that this company is interested in investing in purchasing gas from the TAP project, increasing the capacity of one of Turkmenistan’s major gas blocks, constructing and developing a gas pipeline from Guzara district in Herat to Spin Boldak district in Kandahar and extending it to the Indian border, as well as establishing a large, modern gas facility in the Gwadar port of Pakistan.
In another part of the meeting, the Taliban administration requested Turkmenistan to clarify its final position regarding the Turghundi-Herat railway line, a project that has faced delays for years due to political developments and lack of transparency in its management.
Rashid Meredov promised that electricity transmission to the districts of Bala Murghab, Khomab, and Qarqin will be realized and that other regional connectivity projects will be advanced in cooperation with the Taliban administration. He added that by the end of the calendar year, work on the TAP project will continue up to the center of Herat province.
The practical work on the TAP project between the Taliban administration and Turkmenistan began at the start of the current solar year. Despite repeated emphasis on its economic importance, the project still faces questions concerning transparency, ensuring benefits for local residents, and political implications.
