ASHGABAT: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline (TAPI) was beneficial for the entire region, with Afghanistan alone to get $1 billion as transit fee and royalty. Talking to the media following his meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the foreign minister said the project was expected to create 2,000 new employment avenues with immense opportunities. The foreign minister mentioned that the TAPI project was discussed in detail with the Turkmen president, wherein he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance “economic connect” through various projects including TAPI. He expressed satisfaction that the recent views expressed by Afghanistan showed the country’s intent to favour the implementation of TAPI project. Qureshi mentioned the warm sentiments expressed by the President of Turkmenistan for Pakistan which had recognized the independence and respected its sovereignty. On Afghanistan’s evolving situation, he said Pakistan emphasized on the proposal of collective efforts of neighbouring countries to find a way out to peace. Any instability would have a negative impact on Pakistan and other neighbours, he added. —agencies
