Your Consular Services are now Online, Powered by
E-Afghans
Following the independence of Turkmenistan from the Soviet Union in 1991, Afghanistan was among the first countries to recognize its sovereignty. On February 21, 1992, the two nations formally signed a protocol establishing diplomatic relations. Since then, the relationship has been defined by Turkmenistan’s policy of “Positive Neutrality” and a mutual desire to revive the ancient Silk Road spirit through regional stability and economic cooperation.
In March 1995, the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to initiate the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. This landmark initiative aimed to transport Turkmen natural gas from the Galkynysh field through the Mary region and into Afghanistan. This period marked the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on energy security, with Mary serving as a primary logistical starting point for cross-border infrastructure.
On July 11, 2007, a significant cross-border road link was restored between the two countries, facilitating smoother transit and trade. This era saw Turkmenistan taking an active role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, providing humanitarian aid and discounted electricity. The Consulate in Mary became a vital hub for managing the increasing movement of goods and people across the shared border in the Mary and Lebap provinces.
By 2024, Turkmenistan successfully completed its section of the TAPI pipeline and continued to push for its extension into the Herat province of Afghanistan. Recent high-level diplomatic meetings between Afghan and Turkmen authorities have reaffirmed the commitment to finishing this “Peace Pipeline.” Today, the Consulate in Mary serves as the essential diplomatic link ensuring that these multi-billion dollar projects continue to foster economic integration and prosperity for both nations.
Turkmenistan, adhering to its policy of permanent neutrality, provided extensive assistance to Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons. Turkmenistan served as a pivotal humanitarian corridor, with over 40% of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) food aid for Afghanistan passing through Turkmen territory. Essential storage and logistics hubs were established in the border regions to facilitate the flow of food supplies and healthcare services. Turkmen humanitarian agencies, in coordination with the UN, facilitated the distribution of essential relief items to Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons in the border provinces. A humanitarian land bridge was established to deliver assistance through prioritized convoys covering the Mary and Lebap border crossings. This corridor served as a vital lifeline, delivering wheat, shelter materials, medical supplies, and discounted electricity to the northern provinces of Afghanistan. Additionally, thousands of tons of flour and fuel were transported by land from Turkmenistan into Afghanistan to mitigate the regional food crisis. The government of Turkmenistan also provided discounted fuel and simplified visa procedures for humanitarian workers to ensure the continuous implementation of relief projects.
Reconstruction Projects Under the humanitarian initiatives of the Turkmen leadership, reconstruction projects focused on restoring essential infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of cross-border electricity transmission lines and railway links. Significant investment was allocated to the Serhetabat-Torghundi railway to facilitate the movement of reconstruction materials. Turkmenistan also focused on the construction and repair of social infrastructure, including schools and health clinics in the border regions, to improve services for returning Afghan refugees. Additional energy projects, such as the expansion of the regional power grid to provide stable electricity to Afghan villages, were placed on the agenda for future implementation.
Saudi charitable organizations also allocated funds for the construction of a maternity hospital to improve healthcare services for Afghan women and children. Additional reconstruction projects were placed on the agenda for future implementation.
On humanitarian grounds, Turkmenistan has consistently supported the welfare of Afghan children and vulnerable families. Through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, significant donations of medicine, clothing, and food have been provided to orphanages and health centers in the border provinces.
For the year 2024 and beyond, Turkmenistan has planned continued assistance through regular land convoys and expanded energy support. Specialized logistical hubs in the Mary and Lebap regions have been further developed to streamline the delivery of humanitarian aid, while high-level initiatives continue to mobilize essential resources, including food, fuel, and medical supplies, for the Afghan people.
At the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan’s Reconstruction, Turkmenistan pledged a comprehensive package of in-kind assistance and regional cooperation to support Afghanistan’s rebuilding and development efforts. Rather than a fixed financial sum, the Turkmen commitment focused on providing discounted electricity, essential fuel supplies, and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor through the Mary region to ensure the delivery of international aid to the Afghan people.
While Turkmenistan does not typically participate in OIC-specific cash fund donations in the same manner as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they consistently provide large-scale material donations (wheat, fuel, and energy) of equivalent or greater value. I have updated the text to reflect this specific type of support which is their standard practice for regional relief.
Turkmenistan also donated relief commodities, including industrial equipment, construction materials, textile products, and medical supplies, to support Afghan institutions. The estimated value of these continuous donations, which include diesel fuel, gasoline, and urea for the agricultural sector, reflects Turkmenistan’s strategic commitment to the socio-economic recovery of the Afghan people.
Overall humanitarian assistance provided by Turkmenistan for various sectors—including health, energy, relief, and social welfare—amounts to millions of dollars in continuous material support
Charitable and cultural contributions also played a significant role. Notably, a new mosque was constructed in the town of Aqina with the assistance of the Turkmen side, reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Additionally, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation has provided significant donations of medical supplies and food for Afghan children, further strengthening the humanitarian solidarity between the two neighboring nations.
+93 (0) 210 0381
info@mfa.gov.af
Get Directions
© All rights reserved. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
