Ashgabat, October 21, 2025 — The Europe Today: On October 20, 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited Afghanistan to review the progress of construction on the Serhetabat–Herat section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, known as “Arkadagyň ak ýoly” (The White Road of Arkadag).
At the construction site in the Afghan province of Rabat Sanghi, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by members of the official delegations from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. A solemn meeting was held to mark the occasion, beginning with prayers for the successful implementation of the strategically important regional energy project.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan overseeing the fuel and energy sector opened the ceremony, noting that under the guidance of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan continues to achieve significant progress in developing and modernizing its oil and gas industry. On behalf of industry employees, he extended best wishes for the health and success of Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, presenting a commemorative uniform from the State Concern “Turkmengaz.”
In his address, Hero-Arkadag highlighted that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan is successfully implementing major projects that promote regional cooperation, economic growth, and good-neighborly relations. He emphasized that Turkmenistan’s vast hydrocarbon reserves allow for long-term natural gas exports and that the TAPI gas pipeline plays a vital role in meeting the shared interests of the brotherly nations of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Berdimuhamedov recalled that on September 11 of the previous year, work commenced on the key Serhetabat–Herat section of the pipeline in Mary velayat, marking one of the most important international developments in Turkmenistan’s energy diplomacy. He then blessed the continuation of the project’s next phase toward Herat province.
Addressing the gathering, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. He reaffirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to the TAPI project and expressed appreciation to Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their support in strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.
During the event, a documentary video was presented, showcasing the progress of the “Arkadagyň ak ýoly” project. Hero-Arkadag noted that the United States was among the first countries to support the TAPI initiative and commended the contribution of the American consultancy firm Bownstein for its technical assistance and valuable recommendations in implementing the project.
Berdimuhamedov and the delegation later inspected the modern equipment deployed for the pipeline’s construction and proceeded to the pipe-welding site on the Serhetabat–Herat route. There, H. Saparov, head of the Afghan branch of the closed joint-stock company “Türkmengazgurluşyk,” briefed Hero-Arkadag on the ongoing work and requested his blessing to begin the welding operations.
In a ceremonial atmosphere, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave his blessing for the start of welding work, symbolizing the commencement of the next phase of the Serhetabat–Herat section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline — “Arkadagyň ak ýoly.”
