Pakistan and Turkmenistan have reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, viewing it as a transformative initiative for regional economic growth.

The reaffirmation came during a meeting in Ashgabat on Monday between Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Radio Pakistan reported. Both sides emphasized the project's potential benefits for all participating nations.

During the discussion, the strategic importance of Pakistani ports, particularly Gwadar, was highlighted as a potential outlet for Turkmenistan's hydrocarbon exports, paving the way for new avenues of economic cooperation.

The meeting follows PTJ reports from mid-January indicating progress on the ground in Afghanistan. Afghan officials stated that at least 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) of the pipeline had been laid and welded in the western Herat province.

Muhammetmurad Amanov, CEO of the TAPI Project, had assured the Herat Governor Sheikh Maulana Islamjar of the rapid pace of the pipeline's extension. Homayoun Afghan, spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, confirmed the laid section and added that route preparation was underway for another 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles).

Inaugurated on September 10, 2024, the TAPI project is designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan's Galkynysh field through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. Under the plan, Afghanistan is allocated 5% of the gas, while Pakistan and India are each slated to receive 47.5%.

The pipeline is considered crucial for regional economic integration and diversifying Turkmenistan's energy export markets. Upon completion, it is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in transit fees annually for Afghanistan and create over 12,000 jobs.