MEETING OF THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF TURKMENISTAN WITH THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN TO TURKMENISTAN

On December 8, 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov had a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Turkmenistan Khan Wali Khan Basharmal in the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

 The meeting began with congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed Ambassador of Afghanistan to Turkmenistan. The parties expressed mutual commitment to further development of Turkmen-Afghan relations across the entire spectrum of cooperation.

 The parties noted the importance of the active dialogue between the leaders of the two states, which contributes to the comprehensive strengthening of mutually beneficial relations. The high level of cooperation in the political-diplomatic line, as well as in the trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian areas was underlined.

 The diplomats highly appreciated the partnership between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, as well as the fruitful interaction within the framework of regional and international structures.

 Ambassador Khan Wali Khan Basharmal expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the comprehensive support provided to Afghanistan. In particular, it was about humanitarian assistance, including the construction of social facilities on the territory of Afghanistan, that is, schools, health centers and a mosque, the opening of which took place the other day in a festive atmosphere.

 The importance of major joint infrastructure projects is highlighted, in particular, the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, power transmission lines and fiber-optic communication along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route, the construction of railways from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. The aspirations of Turkmenistan to facilitate the involvement of Afghanistan in the processes of world economic integration, including through the creation of favorable transport and transit hubs, were highly appreciated. In this context, the effectiveness of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor was emphasized.

 The diplomats also discussed the current situation and prospects for cooperation in education, culture, and scientific exchanges.

 During the meeting, Ambassador Khan Wali Khan Basharmal presented copies of his credentials.