TAPI project to create avenues for employment to 2,000 persons

ASHGABAT: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline (TAPI) project will usher in a new era of development in the region and is expected to create 2,000 new employment avenues with immense opportunities.
Talking to the media persons following his meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Thursday, the foreign minister said TAPI is beneficial for the entire region, with Afghanistan alone to get $1 billion as transit fee and royalty.
The foreign minister said that the TAPI project was discussed in detail with the Turkmen president, wherein he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance economic connectivity through various projects including TAPI. He expressed satisfaction that the recent views expressed by Afghanistan show the country’s intent to favour the implementation of TAPI project.
On Afghanistan’s evolving situation, he said that Pakistan emphasises on the proposal of collective efforts of neighbouring countries to find a way out to peace. Any instability would have a negative impact on Pakistan and other neighbours, he added.
He said in near future, convening of a meeting of foreign ministers from neighbouring states is under consideration to discuss the Afghan situation. He said Pakistan and Turkmenistan would continue collaboration with special representatives from both sides to hold meetings on strengthening ties.
Earlier, Qureshi called on President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Conveying the greetings from the Prime Minister Imran Khan, the foreign minister highlighted strong fraternal ties between the two countries, underpinned by shared objectives and commonality of views. The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance economic linkages through various projects including TAPI.
During the meeting, the situation in Afghanistan also came under discussion. Qureshi, emphasising the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for the region, underlined the need for close coordination. He added that the region will witness transformation in terms of enhanced stability, trade and improved connectivity from a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
President Gurbanguly Berdimukhammedov welcomed Foreign Minister Qureshi and remarked that Turkmenistan considers Pakistan an important country. He reaffirmed that Turkmenistan was ready to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interests.
He also appreciated the foreign minister’s visit to the region to forge a common regional approach on the situation in Afghanistan.
Later, Qureshi led delegation-level talks from the Pakistan side with Turkmenistan, focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation in energy, human resources and other areas. – TLTP