Tehran- IRAF- Citing official sources in Kabul, Amir Khan Mottaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban, discussed a range of issues related to bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and the future plans of the two countries during talks with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Mottaqi, referring to the expanding interactions between Kabul and Ashgabat, announced the start of the operational phase of the TAPI gas pipeline project in parts of Herat Province, stressing that; other major projects, such as the railway project and the TAP energy transmission corridor are also on the verge of entering the implementation stage.
On the other side, Meredov, recalling the historical ties between the two countries, expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral cooperation and emphasized the need for closer coordination to advance joint economic projects.
At the conclusion of the talks, both sides described Kabul’s cooperation with Central Asian countries as crucial for regional stability and development, and underscored the importance of continuing consultations.
Relations between Kabul and Ashgabat entered a new phase following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Turkmenistan, which has consistently pursued a policy of “active neutrality,” was among the first countries in the region to maintain—and even expand—its working and technical relations with Afghanistan’s new authorities.
In recent years, the main focus of cooperation between the two countries has been on energy and transit projects. Turkmenistan requires Afghanistan’s cooperation to advance major regional initiatives such as the TAPI gas pipeline and the TAP power transmission project; consequently, diplomatic contacts between the two sides have increased.
In 2024, several Taliban delegations traveled to Ashgabat, where agreements were signed in the fields of energy, transportation, and infrastructure development.
The two countries have also held extensive consultations regarding the Torghundi–Herat railway and new rail projects aimed at connecting Afghanistan to Pakistan and Central Asia.
Reports indicate that Turkmenistan has even deployed technical personnel to Afghanistan to accelerate the implementation of the TAPI project and has extended a line of credit to Kabul to support the project’s progress.
From a political perspective, Turkmenistan—unlike some countries in the region—has adopted a pragmatic approach toward the Taliban, seeking to ensure the stability of shared borders and the security of energy corridors through direct engagement.
Analyses show that Ashgabat views the Taliban as an important factor in Central Asia’s security and economic equations; as a result, regular talks between officials of the two countries continued throughout 2023 to 2025.
