RASC News Agency: The Taliban group’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently disclosed a meeting between Amir Khan Motaqi, the acting minister of the ministry, and Rashid Muradov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting, which aimed to address diverse economic matters, was reported by Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesperson of the Taliban group’s foreign ministry, on Saturday, December 16th, via the X social media platform. This diplomatic encounter occurred at Turghandi port in Herat province.
The discussions between the Taliban group and Turkmenistan officials centered on the pragmatic execution of collaborative projects spanning the realms of the economy, transit, electricity, rail, and energy. Despite Turkmenistan not officially endorsing the Taliban group’s regime, the two entities maintain close ties. In fact, the Taliban’s Ministry of Energy and Water recently solicited Turkmenistan’s collaboration for the implementation of the “TAPI Project.” This initiative seeks to transmit 500 KV of electricity from Turkmenistan to Pakistan, with the Taliban group assuming a pivotal role in ensuring the security of this energy transfer endeavor from Afghanistan.
It is crucial to highlight that the Taliban group’s aspiration to be part of the energy transfer project arises amid apprehensions regarding their track record in infrastructure and security. Given the group’s historical impact on infrastructure during years of conflict, doubts persist about their capability to guarantee the safety of such projects. Nevertheless, the meeting with Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs underscores the group’s endeavors to foster connections with neighboring nations and explore economic opportunities.
