A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN WAS HELD

On May 13, 2021, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

Presidents of the two countries congratulated each other on the occasion of the holy Oraza Bayramy, and addressed the wishes of peace and prosperity to the peoples of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

Expressing satisfaction with the progressive dynamics of cooperation, the heads of the two states highly appreciated the comprehensive development of interstate relations.

The parties underlined the productive character of partnership in the trade-economic, fuel-energy and transport-communication spheres. The construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline, a high-voltage power line and fiber-optic communication along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route were specified as illustrative examples.

Special emphasis was paid to the importance of the Lapis Lazuli transit transport corridor. In this context, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed confidence that the successful implementation of this project would significantly contribute to the development of interregional trade and economic relations between the countries of Central and South Asia and the states of Europe.

On behalf of the Afghan people, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed deep gratitude to the Turkmen leader for fraternal solidarity and active support in the stable development of the neighboring state, economic and humanitarian assistance.

At the end of the conversation, the interlocutors expressed confidence that the interstate dialogue would continue to expand in all areas, relying on the traditions of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual goodwill.