Turkmen-Afghan cooperation has become more effective in recent years and continues to develop consistently and dynamically in various directions, as evidenced by a number of jointly implemented projects. The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, said this to media representatives.
Noting the importance of Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at enhancing international cooperation, he noted the role of Afghanistan in their implementation as a transit country. In this regard, the Afghan leader underlined the importance of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, initiated by the Turkmen side, putting into operation of which will positively affect the socio-economic development of the countries of the region. The people of Afghanistan are pinning great hopes on the realization of this major project, being sure that we will all witness its full implementation, said the Afghan leader.
The Afghan side is interested in further joint implementation of major projects that are also of importance for regional cooperation, the President of Afghanistan stated, noting the special role of the Head of Turkmenistan in the practical implementation of the bilateral agreements reached.
Our countries, the high guest continued, have an important role to play in the development of transit corridors, which stipulates the enhancement of partnership cooperation in this direction, both in bilateral and multilateral formats. In this regard, the Afghan leader said that Afghanistan fully supports the initiatives of Turkmenistan, put forward in the framework of authoritative international organizations and, above all, the UN. The Afghan side will continue to make efforts in the name of achieving a positive solution to the pressing issues of our time, which is of particular importance in ensuring peace, security and sustainable development in the Asian region. I am sure that in the future our countries will be provided with access to European markets, "the head of Afghanistan said.
Focusing on the issues of Turkmen-Afghan cooperation in the field of electric power, the President of Afghanistan emphasized its special importance for the development of his country, primarily its industry, agriculture and the fuel and energy sector. Informing that during the talks the sides exchanged views on the issues of the regional economic partnership, the head of Afghanistan expressed his confidence that in the future conditions will be created for the supply of Turkmen electricity through Afghanistan to Pakistan, and the cooperation of the two countries will positively affect the economic development of other states of the region and their natural resources.
Stressing that the Turkmen-Afghan border is the borderline of fruitful cooperation, friendship and brotherhood, the head of Afghanistan reaffirmed his country's readiness to continue cooperation in this direction, in particular, to resolve issues of creating customs passages between the two countries, modern trade infrastructure, etc. In this the sides also discussed the possibility of increasing the volume of electricity supplies to the border areas of Afghanistan.
Confirming the interest of the Afghan side in the implementation of major projects in the field of transport, including the activation of the North-South and East-West transit corridors, the distinguished guest noted that Afghanistan seeks to expand cooperation in this area, which, in turn, also will promote the development of bilateral trade and economic relations. According to the Afghan leader, in this context, during the talks, an exchange of views took place on the use of the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the transport infrastructure of Turkmenistan.
Confirming the readiness of the Afghan side to enhance cooperation in all important areas, the President of Afghanistan expressed confidence that all the agreements reached within the framework of the summit will serve to further intensify the traditional cooperation of the partnership, the defining features of which are trust and mutual respect.
Expressing admiration for the architectural embodiment and modern capabilities of the new Ashgabat International Airport, as well as the scale of the preparation of the Turkmen capital for the upcoming 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed his confidence that this major sports forum will be held in Turkmenistan at a high level and will bring our country the glory of the world sports power.
Re-emphasizing the high organization and effectiveness of the talks, which resulted in the signing of important documents, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that he invited the President of Turkmenistan to visit Afghanistan at any time convenient for him.
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On the same day, the high guest visited the Akhal-Teke horse complex of the President of Turkmenistan, located in the picturesque foothills of Kopetdag.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani surveyed this large horse breeding center with great interest, where all conditions for the maintenance, breeding and sports preparation of "paradise horses", the education of new generations of seiises and masters-riders were created.
The best representatives of the unique breed of Akhal-Teke were demonstrated to the distinguished guest. The leader of a friendly country could appreciate their speed and beauty, as well as the ancient art of dzhigitovka (trick riding) that is brilliantly mastered by young Turkmen horsemen from generation to generation.
In the afternoon, the head of Afghanistan proceeded to the Memorial complex "Halk hakydasy", erected in the south-western part of the capital and perpetuating the memory of national heroes - defenders of the Fatherland, as well as victims of the devastating Ashgabat earthquake of 1948. Here President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, laying flowers at the "Baky SAlhrat" monument, got acquainted with the exposition of the museum "Watan mukaddesligi" located on the territory of the Memorial Complex and left a memorandum in the Book of Honored Guests.
In the evening, in honor of the distinguished guest, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an official dinner, at which the two heads of state exchanged speeches.
After the solemn reception the leaders of the two countries warmly said goodbye to each other, expressing confidence that today's meeting and the agreements reached on its results will give a new impetus to interstate cooperation that meets both the mutual interests and the goals of prosperity of the whole region.
After completing an official visit to Turkmenistan, President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani proceeded to Ashgabat International Airport, from where he left for home.
Source: Turkmenistan: the Golden Age Online Newspaper