The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working trip to Afghanistan, where he familiarised himself with the progress of construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section, named ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ (‘Arkadag's White Road’). This was reported by the news website Asmannews.

During the ceremony at the construction site, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by delegations from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The participants emphasised the symbolic and practical significance of the project, which unites the efforts of the countries of the region for peace, stability and development.

In his speech, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the TAPI project is not only economically significant, but also a peace-building step that strengthens ties between nations.

According to the Hero Arkadag, the construction of the gas pipeline will create new jobs, bring Afghanistan an annual income of over a billion dollars and become a factor in economic stabilisation. A modern material and technical base has been created for the implementation of the project, more than 200 units of special equipment have been deployed, and the participation of local specialists is planned.

During the visit, Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs, thanked the Turkmen side for its support and noted that TAPI symbolises mutually beneficial cooperation and the strengthening of trust between the countries of the region.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that infrastructure – power lines, roads and logistics centres – will be developed along the gas pipeline route, creating a unified system of economic ties.

In his speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people paid special attention to the international recognition of Turkmenistan as a neutral state actively participating in regional and global initiatives. Hero Arkadag also noted the support of the project by the United States and thanked the American companies participating in its implementation.

The ceremony ended with a blessing for the start of welding work on the Serhetabat-Herat section. After a prayer offered by the Mufti of Turkmenistan, the official start of the new stage of construction was given. At the end of the event, a traditional toy-sadaqah was given.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit was yet another confirmation of Turkmenistan's commitment to a policy of neutrality, good neighbourliness and constructive cooperation. The implementation of the TAPI project and related infrastructure initiatives is seen as an important contribution to strengthening regional stability, economic integration and the well-being of the peoples of Central and South Asia.