By: Zahid Hussain Karani
Ashgabat: The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has blessed the launch of the next stage of the Serhetabat–Herat gas pipeline, known as “Arkadagyň ak ýoly” (“The White Road of Arkadag”). The section forms part of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline — a landmark regional project aimed at enhancing energy connectivity across South and Central Asia.
During his visit to the Rabat Sanghi district of Afghanistan’s Herat province, Hero-Arkadag was warmly received by Turkmen and Afghan delegations. The ceremony began with prayers for the project’s success, followed by formal addresses from senior officials.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, overseeing the fuel and energy sector, praised the country’s steady progress in oil and gas modernization under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. On behalf of energy sector workers, he presented Hero-Arkadag with a commemorative Turkmengaz uniform as a symbol of respect and gratitude.
In his remarks, Hero-Arkadag underscored Turkmenistan’s commitment to advancing large-scale energy and infrastructure projects that strengthen ties with neighboring countries. Highlighting the country’s vast hydrocarbon reserves, he reiterated that the TAPI gas pipeline remains central to the nation’s long-term strategy for regional energy security and cooperation.
He recalled that construction of the Serhetabat–Herat segment began on September 11, 2024, in Mary velayat, marking a major milestone for TAPI. The latest phase, he noted, signifies Turkmenistan’s continued progress toward completing this strategic corridor.
Speaking on behalf of Afghanistan, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan’s leadership for their steadfast support in advancing the TAPI project. He conveyed greetings from Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Chairman of Afghanistan’s Cabinet of Ministers, and reaffirmed Kabul’s commitment to regional partnership through shared infrastructure and energy initiatives.
A short documentary showcasing progress on the Serhetabat–Herat section was screened during the ceremony.
Hero-Arkadag also acknowledged the United States’ early support for the TAPI initiative, commending the contributions of U.S.-based consultancy Brownstein, whose technical expertise continues to guide the project’s development.
Following the formal proceedings, Hero-Arkadag inspected the heavy machinery and welding sites at the construction area in Herat province. Upon receiving a progress report from H. Saparov, head of the Afghan branch of “Türkmengazgurluşyk”, he officially blessed the start of the new construction phase, symbolizing Turkmenistan’s ongoing dedication to regional development and energy diplomacy.
