The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, having launched the next stage of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, spoke at a ceremonial meeting to mark the event.

Below is the text of the speech.

"Dear compatriots!

Dear friends!

In the era of the Renaissance of a new era of a powerful state, under the leadership of the esteemed President Arkadagly Hero Serdar, ambitious projects are being successfully implemented, contributing to the expansion of friendly and good-neighborly relations. At the same time, large-scale measures are being taken to increase Turkmen natural gas production and ensure its reliable supply to foreign markets. This is fully demonstrated by the work carried out by the State Concern Türkmengaz during the International Year of Peace and Trust to build new gas pipelines of international significance.

The presence of colossal hydrocarbon reserves allows our country to export natural gas on a long-term basis. This is where the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project takes on enormous significance, serving the interests of the fraternal peoples of the region. This transnational project, as another step toward implementing Turkmenistan's energy strategy to modernize the national fuel and energy sector, will give new impetus to the sustainable development of the entire region.

On September 11 last year, the construction of a key link in the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, the Serhetabat–Herat section known as “Arkadagyň ak ýoly,” was launched in the Mary velayat of our country. This became an internationally significant event.

On that day, inscribed in gold letters in the history of Turkmen-Afghan relations, new buildings were opened and construction of important facilities began, demonstrating the significant success of goodwill-based cooperation between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

Overall, the relationship between the Turkmen and Afghan peoples, which dates back to ancient times, is significantly strengthening today. Historically significant projects benefiting both peoples are being successfully implemented. The implementation of such major projects serves as clear evidence of the good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan: they are of great significance, as they will have a positive impact on the socioeconomic development of not only the participating countries but also all states in the region.

Dear friends!

Dear guests!

The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline is of paramount importance for the prosperity of neighboring countries and the region as a whole, and for the creation of an economically sustainable space. Our dedicated gas workers have successfully completed the construction of the 214-kilometer Turkmen section. Today, we are witnessing the continuation of the next stage of the pipeline, known as "Arkadagyň ak ýoly," along the Serhetabat–Herat route to the Afghan province of Herat. Its length is 153 kilometers.

To implement this project, a solid material and technical base has been established with the assistance of Arkadagly Hero Serdar: the process is supported by over 200 units of modern and powerful equipment. Afghan citizens will also be involved in the project, and its full implementation will create new jobs for the Afghan people. Furthermore, Afghanistan will receive an average of over 1 billion USD in annual funds. All this will have a positive impact not only on Turkmen-Afghan relations but also on the region as a whole.

Consequently, these projects share a common goal: to provide a powerful impetus to the long-term development of our countries and support sustainable development in the region.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated gas workers for their participation in the implementation of this large-scale project between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan side for its support of this project and participation in its implementation.

May the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the Turkmen and Afghan peoples always flourish!

Dear friends!

I now bless the implementation of the next stage of the key link in the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project to the Afghan province of Herat – the Serhetabat–Herat pipeline, known as the "Arkadagyň ak ýoly" pipeline!

Dear friends!

As you know, the United States was among the first to support the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project. Over the years of independence, relations between Turkmenistan and the United States have developed at a high level. Today, bilateral cooperation covers many areas, including trade, investment, and business contacts.In this context, I would like to particularly highlight the enormous role of the Turkmen-American Business Council. Well-known American companies have been conducting significant work in Turkmenistan for many years. American companies such as Boeing, Case New Holland, John Deere, Caterpillar, General Electric, Sikorsky, and Nicklaus Design are successfully operating in our country.

I would like to highlight the contribution of the American company Bownstein, which is serving as a consultant on the ambitious Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project and providing valuable and helpful recommendations for its implementation.

Dear friends!

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held this year in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, significantly enhanced Turkmenistan's standing on the international stage. Furthermore, at the 18th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Resolution "Avaza Political Declaration" was recently unanimously adopted, which is related to the international conference held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. It is noteworthy that United States President Donald Trump sent a congratulatory message in connection with the conference.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, for his support of such significant international events held in our country, for his congratulatory message, and for his support of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.

Dear friends!

Dear compatriots!

As our esteemed President Arkadagly Hero Serdar notes: "A homeland is a homeland only with its people! A state is a state only with its people!"

So – Glory! Glory! Glory to the workers of the oil and gas industry, especially the dedicated Turkmen gas workers who, sparing no effort or energy, are carrying out such great work and participating in the implementation of a project so significant in the grand scheme of history!