Afghanistan, Turkmenistan Discuss TAPI Pipeline Security

Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have discussed security measures for the multi-billion dollar Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.

The Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar met with the Turkmenistan officials to discuss regional security, reported Khaama Press Wednesday.

Atmar met with his counterpart Ya Berdiev, Minister of Defense of Turkmenistan Gudogdyev, Minisster of Border, and Director of National Intelligence of Turkmenistan. Atmar shared Afghan government’s comprehensive security plan for the security of TAPI gas pipeline.

In January, local officials said that increasing security risk in Greshk district of southern Helmand province in Afghanistan has raised deep concerns about the TAPI gas pipeline. Members of Helmand provincial council have said that the volatile situation in the province could pose a major threat to the implementation of TAPI. 

The much delayed TAPI gas pipeline project was formally inaugurated on December 13.

TurkmenGaz will be the leader of the consortium and shall take 85 percent equity. Along with GAIL India, ISGS of Pakistan and Afghan Gas Enterprise (AGE) will also take 5 percent stake each.