I congratulate you on the solemn commissioning of the Rabat-Kashan–Kalay-Nau 110 kV power line, the result of effective cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that is based on the principles of friendship, brotherhood and good-neighborliness, states the Address by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to participants of the opening ceremony of the Rabat-Kashan–Kalay-Nau power line. The history of friendly bonds between the Turkmen and Afghan people stretches back into the depths of time, and our relations build upon our ancestors’ legacy of outstanding traditions of peaceful life and good-neighborly relations. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was among the first countries to support Turkmenistan’s independence. Over time, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have shown an excellent example of fruitful collaboration in economic, political and cultural spheres. For many years, Turkmenistan has been cooperating with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in various fields, including the power sector. Millions of kilowatt-hours of Turkmen electricity have already been sent to the neighboring country along the Imamnazar–Andkhoy and Serhetabat–Herat routes, thus contributing to the improvement of social and living conditions of Afghan consumers, the opening of new productions and creation of jobs. Hundreds of young people from Afghanistan graduated from universities in Turkmenistan with degrees in electrical engineering, states the Address. Being one of the richest countries of the world in terms of energy resources, not only does Turkmenistan ensure uninterrupted supply to meet the needs of the domestic market, but also aims to make electricity more accessible for foreign consumers. In this context, diversification of supply routes for Turkmen electric energy and natural gas is one of the founding principles of our humane energy policy. On 23 February 2018, in presence of the heads of state and government of Turkmenistan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India, the construction of the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, power lines and fiber-optic links along the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route was launched. This event was a clear demonstration of the fact that the countries of the region embarked on global-scale projects. The Rabat-Kashan–Kalay-Nau power line that is being commissioned today is yet another example of constructive steps taken by Turkmenistan towards boosting supplies of electric energy to neighboring countries. In addition to the existing Imamnazar–Andkhoy and Serhetabat–Herat lines, the new power line will become the first to deliver additional volumes of electricity along the Kerki–Hamyap–Garkyn, Marchak (Turkmenistan)–Marchak (Afghanistan) and Rabat-Kashan–Kalay-Nau routes. Its capacity will reach 100 megawatts per hour. Commissioning of these power lines will help boost electricity supplies to different provinces of Afghanistan. In 2018, Turkmenistan celebrates the slogan “Turkmenistan is the Heart of the Great Silk Road”. The clear evidence of this ancient route being revived is today’s commissioning of the Rabat-Kashan–Kalay-Nau power line that stretches southwards from the territory of ancient Merv towards Balkh, Herat. I am firmly convinced that the foundation for future progress of our countries, steady increase in welfare of our peoples, consolidation of mutually beneficial, equal cooperation and friendly ties will be laid through the development of multifaceted regional cooperation, stresses the Presidential Address.