Today we are laying the foundation not only for the further construction of the pipeline, but also for cooperation of our future generations, said President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, at the ceremony dedicated to the launch of the next stage of the TAPI project. The Afghan leader noted the tremendous significance of today’s event from the standpoint of regional development: “The countries of Southern Asia – Indian, Pakistan and others – are actively developing intestate links in all fields. At the same time, Central Asia is expanding cooperation with Southern Asian countries, being a bridge in strengthening productive cooperation”. The dignified guest also stressed that Turkmenistan’s deliberate foreign policy course, based on the principles of neutrality, is of specific importance for Afghanistan. He emphasized the productive nature of relations between our countries that are developing both in bilateral format and on regional and multilateral levels. Noting the successful holding of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, the Afghan leader highlighted that this was a success not only for Turkmenistan, but for the Central Asia as a whole. The far-sighted and wise policy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is an important positive factor in the region, stated Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, and continued by stating that dynamic economic development, social stability and availability of vast potential define today’s Turkmenistan. The Afghan leader placed a special emphasis on the fact that, thanks to the policy and concrete steps taken by the Government of Turkmenistan, the construction of the TAPI pipeline reached the stage of practical implementation. Thanking the Turkmen side for the tremendous contribution to the realization of this project that will engage thousands of construction workers, the President of Afghanistan addressed the head of Turkmenistan with a request to continue supporting this project that is important for the whole region. Currently, TAPI is deemed to be not only a gas pipeline, but also a corridor uniting our countries. This project is not only of economic, but also of political significance. Construction of electric power and fiber-optic lines along the pipeline’s route will help link Turkmenistan, Central Asia with Chabahar Port, and Afghanistan will play a role as a bridge between the countries of the region, stated Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, and reiterated his country’s readiness to perform this function.