Ashgabat views the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline as one of the most important avenues for diversifying energy flows and strengthening energy security across the continent, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in an interview with Al Arabiya during a visit to the United States, according to Turkmen state media.
Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan is approaching the project in a consistent and constructive manner while underscoring the need to resolve international legal issues, including the delimitation of the Caspian Sea seabed. To this end, a Turkmen-Azerbaijani working group has been established, with expectations of tangible results.
The interview placed particular emphasis on the country’s energy strategy. Turkmenistan, which ranks fourth globally in proven natural gas reserves, is pursuing a policy of export diversification that takes into account the interests of producing, transit and consumer countries.
Turkmenistan is currently implementing one of its largest international energy projects, the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India pipeline (TAPI). Construction of the first phase of the project, known as “Arkadagyň ak ýoly,” is underway in Afghanistan.
The pipeline has received international backing, including support from the United States, and is viewed as an important factor in meeting South Asia’s energy needs while expanding access to markets in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Middle and Near East. TAPI is also considered highly attractive to investors and is seen as contributing to political stability and economic development in the region.
Berdimuhamedov noted that the TAPI project is open to participation by all interested companies, and that Turkmenistan expects interest from U.S. partners.
The chairman of the Halk Maslahaty also recalled that Russia was previously the main destination for Turkmen gas exports, with volumes reaching up to 40 billion cubic meters per year. China is currently the largest consumer, with comparable supply volumes. As part of its diversification policy, Turkmenistan also carries out regional deliveries through swap arrangements, including supplies to Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other interested countries.
The Trans-Caspian gas pipeline is a planned international infrastructure project designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea seabed, with onward connections to the gas transportation systems of the Southern Gas Corridor and access to European markets.
