President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani had a telephone conversation today.

Having warmly greeted each other, the two heads of state expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to discuss the state and prospects of the interstate dialogue in a personal conversation. Taking this opportunity, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani exchanged congratulations on the occasion of Oraza Bayramy, and addressed wishes of peace and prosperity to the Turkmen and Afghan peoples.

Noting with satisfaction the progressive dynamics of cooperation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan highly appreciates and attaches special importance to the comprehensive development of interstate relations.

Noting the productive nature of the established partnership in the trade and economic, fuel and energy, transport and communication spheres, the interlocutors stressed that major joint projects in these areas are currently being implemented with the participation of the two countries. The construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India transnational gas pipeline (TAPI), a high-voltage power transmission line and fiber-optic communication along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route were cited as illustrative examples.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the “Lapis Lazuli” transit-transport corridor, created within the framework of the Agreement signed between Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. In this context, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed confidence that the successful implementation of this project will make a significant contribution to the development of interregional trade and economic relations.

During the conversation, the interlocutors also noted with satisfaction that today, thanks to the efforts of the two neighboring states, new transport and energy corridors are being formed, aimed at achieving sustainable development of the region and the world.

“The implementation of these projects will bring the countries closer together, become a bridge of friendship and brotherhood between the peoples, create broad opportunities for the further development of their economies, and contribute to the well – being of the people of Afghanistan,” President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed, expressing firm confidence that the huge potential of cooperation will serve as a reliable basis for strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the IRA.

On behalf of the Afghan people, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed deep gratitude to the Turkmen leader for his brotherly solidarity and active support for the stable development of the neighboring state, as well as for the economic and humanitarian assistance provided.

After discussing the prospects for the development of traditional cooperation, the heads of state noted the availability of opportunities for increasing cooperation in a wide range of areas.

Saying goodbye, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed confidence that the interstate dialogue will continue to expand in all areas, based on the traditions of friendship and good-neighborliness, mutual goodwill, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.