Afghanistan on Thursday briefed Pakistan on its security plan for $7.6 billion Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan and India (TAPI) pipeline project, initiation of which hinges on the fool proof security steps through the war ravaged country. Afghan Deputy Minister of Finance Mohammad Mustafa Mastoor called on Petroleum Minister Dr. Asim Hussain along with Afghan Deputy Minister for Policy and Mines Mir Ahmad Jawid Sadat. Both sides also agreed that transit fee for the TAPI pipeline should be realistic and agreed to hold a detailed session to have an understanding.
Afghan Deputy Finance Minister apprised the minister about the Afghan government’s commitment on the implementation of TAPI pipeline project to help meet regional energy demands. The Afghan delegation provided an update on the security situation for TAPI pipeline portion that will pass through Afghanistan. He informed that Afghan government is planning to hold road shows in major cities of Pakistan to promote investment in Afghanistan. Petroleum Minister said Afghanistan is an important strategic partner and bilateral relations between the two countries need to be further strengthened. He emphasized that economic linkages were the key to strengthening of bilateral relations which are imperative for the development of both the countries. He informed the Afghan delegation regarding positive discussions with India on TAPI pipeline project and proposed that a trilateral meeting should be held to discuss the issues related to project. He said Pakistan is willing to explore the possibility of establishment of PSO retail outlets in Afghanistan.
