The two leaders Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani discussed the implementation of joint infrastructure projects and the upcoming opening of a mosque in Afghanistan built at the expense of Turkmenistan during a telephone conversation today, the information program "Watan" of the Turkmen television reported.

In particular, the presidents of neighboring States focused on the promotion of such major projects as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan high-voltage power transmission and fiber-optic communication line, and the Akina-Andhoy railway.

As already reported, the Turkmen side plans to complete the construction of TAPI on its territory this year, and next year to start construction on the territory of Afghanistan. Also at the final stage is the construction of power transmission lines and fiber-optic communication, which will later connect the two neighboring countries with Pakistan.

The interlocutors also highlighted the role of transit-transport corridor "Lapis Lazuli", created in the framework of the Agreement signed between Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, which will allow to increase volumes of trade between the countries of Central and South Asia and European countries and thus will give a new impetus to development of interregional trade and economic relations.

IRA President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed deep gratitude To the President of Turkmenistan for the firm and unwavering support of Afghanistan in the international political arena. Thus, during the international conference on Afghanistan, held in Geneva on November 23-24, 2020, Turkmenistan, noting the progress in the implementation of major energy and transport and communication projects initiated by it, focused on the need to develop infrastructure projects in the future. At the same time, the specific financial and material contribution of Turkmenistan to the practical implementation of such projects emphasized.

During the telephone conversation, the heads of state also agreed on the date of the upcoming opening next week of a mosque erected in the village of Akina etrap Andhoy in Faryab province as a humanitarian aid from the Turkmen side to the Afghan people. As previously reported, the new mosque in Afghanistan designed to receive 500 worshippers.

"Let the prayers and sadaka that will be read and given in the new mosque be accepted by the Almighty," President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

The head of Turkmenistan also noted that in the near future, medicines and medical preparations, food, textile and household products would sent to Afghanistan as humanitarian aid.

On behalf of the entire Afghan people, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed deep gratitude to the Turkmen leader for the fraternal solidarity and active support for the stable development of the neighboring country, as well as the effective economic and humanitarian assistance provided by Turkmenistan over the years.

As the Afghan leader stressed, his country sincerely values good-neighborly relations with Turkmenistan and highly appreciates the peaceful foreign policy pursued by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which is an important factor in maintaining stability, peace and security in the region.

Discussing the issues on the global agenda, the two presidents noted the need for a coherent, unified approach to the solution of topical problems of modernity, one of which is the pandemic coronavirus COVID-19.

Turkmenistan fully supports the efforts of the international community to combat this dangerous threat, and considers it necessary to intensify international cooperation to develop concerted actions in the field, emphasized the Turkmen leader.

At the end of the conversation, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed confidence that bilateral relations will strengthen and expand in all areas – in the political, trade, economic, and cultural spheres, based on the best traditions of friendship and good neighborliness, mutual goodwill of the parties, and addressed wishes of peace, good and prosperity to the peoples of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.