Muttaqi Hopes TAPI Gas Pipeline Extension in Afghanistan Will Begin Soon

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Taliban's Foreign Minister, during a meeting with Hoja Ovezov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador in Kabul, on Thursday stated that extending the TAPI gas pipeline is one of the group's major priorities.

The Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ovezov shared the "recent progress regarding the practical work on the TAPI pipeline extension" with Muttaqi.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad, Taliban’s Deputy Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, mentioned that the focus of the meeting between Muttaqi and Ovezov was the initiation of the TAPI pipeline extension within Afghanistan and the enhancement of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Muttaqi stated that "the relevant Afghan departments are working on finalising all technical aspects of the pipeline extension within Afghanistan so that the work can practically commence soon”.

This week, the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Turkmenistan also emphasised on the importance of developing economic and energy cooperation, including the TAPI project.

On July 10, during a meeting with the Turkmen Ambassador, Muttaqi said that they are resolving the legal obstacles hindering the TAPI project.

The TAPI project was inaugurated in 2016 by the leaders of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The TAPI gas pipeline passes through Herat, Farah, Nimroz, Helmand, and Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

TAPI will transport Turkmenistan's gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India.

Since coming to power, the Taliban have prioritised the exploitation of natural resources and major energy projects of the previous government.

The group has attempted to improve relations with China and Central Asian countries to attract their investment in Afghanistan's mining sector, albeit unsuccessfully.