Strengthening Afghanistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Regional Connectivity via Rail Infrastructure
Speech at Atamyrat–Aqina Railway Inauguration Ceremony – Andkhoy, Afghanistan
Keypoints:
- Enduring Friendship: Strengthen Afghanistan–Turkmenistan ties.
- Regional Connectivity: Link Afghanistan to Central and South Asia.
- Economic Integration: Boost trade and regional prosperity.
- National Development: Improve markets and lower costs.
- Historical Vision: Make Afghanistan a regional hub.
- Shared Prosperity: Benefit all neighbors equitably.
- Youth Leadership: Empower next-generation project managers.
- Security & Stability: Protect projects and investments.
Andkhoy, Faryab | November 28, 2016 (8 Qaws 1395)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Esteemed members of the Cabinet of Turkmenistan, esteemed members of the Cabinet of Afghanistan, distinguished Members of Parliament and Senators, honorable Ulema, Ambassadors, representatives of friendly nations, members of civil society, brothers and sisters: Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Khosh Gelding! Pa Kheyr Raghlast! Welcome!
Today, we host a guest who comes bearing a gift that grows stronger the more it is used; a gift that is inexhaustible. What is this gift? First, it is the enduring and permanent friendship between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Long live the friendship between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan!
Second, it is the gift of confidence in the future of Afghanistan. Over the past two years, the honorable President of Turkmenistan has made a strategic decision to invest hundreds of millions and billions of dollars in Turkmenistan’s future, banking on a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Thank you, Your Excellency, and thank you to the people of Turkmenistan for this immense trust in the Afghan nation.
A Step Toward Continental Integration
Thirdly, today’s gift—the connection of Aqina to the international Asian rail network—is a vital step in the relationship between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, and a giant leap toward creating a continental economy across all of Asia. [Addressing the President of Turkmenistan:] Thank you for your leadership and vision in transforming Turkmenistan into a grand crossroads for Asia and a good neighbor to all your neighbors.
The more this railway and these large-scale petroleum facilities are utilized, the more our hearts and our economic lives will become intertwined. On behalf of every Afghan man and woman—for whom the prices of basic goods, bitumen, gas, and fuel will now fundamentally decrease—I thank you and the nation of Turkmenistan.
Under the wise leadership of His Excellency the President, Turkmenistan has become a point of regional connectivity and a hub of cooperation for all. Their railway links have been established with Iran, as well as with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and beyond. [Addressing the President of Turkmenistan:] I also congratulate you on the massive facilities at the Turkmenbashi port. Afghan traders, investors, and the government wish for the success of Turkmenbashi, as we view it as our gateway and one of our primary routes to Europe and the Euro-Asian region.
Fulfilling a Historical Vision
At the same time, I am especially honored today that one of the dreams of our national hero, King Amanullah Khan, is being realized. Amanullah Khan’s vision was that Afghanistan should become the regional point of connection through railways. Aqina is the first step. Hairatan is already connected, and the railway from Iran toward Herat is under rapid construction. Our goal is that, God willing, within the coming years, all of Afghanistan will be a nexus for the railway network. Our next step is the construction of the Torghundi–Sher Khan Bandar–Mazar-i-Sharif line, followed by fundamental studies on the Mazar-i-Sharif–Herat route. Our objective is to link China and Iran together.
Furthermore, other large-scale projects currently underway will transform an isolated Afghanistan—much like Turkmenistan—into a crossroads of Asia. The economic policy of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan is one that considers every neighbor a partner in its prosperity. We hold no enmity toward any neighbor, unless they trample upon regional and national interests. Therefore, we seek connection, not separation! We seek harmony, not division! We seek collective progress, not extremism and death! The more our cooperation increases, the more our mutual prosperity grows.
Gratitude to the Nation and Security Forces
I would like to once again thank all my fellow citizens who have assisted and labored in this endeavor. I thank them from the bottom of my heart: the honorable members of Parliament who have always provided great support, the members of the Cabinet, the Chief of Army Staff, the Senior Deputy Minister of Interior for Security, and all of our Security and Defense Forces.
Our Security and Defense Forces have proven to be the true sons of this soil, protecting our sacred land every day at the cost of their blood. I also wish to thank the esteemed Ulema, our elders, all our prominent figures, and especially our colleagues from Turkmenistan.
Tribute to the Turkmen Partners
Your Excellency, the President of Turkmenistan, every member of your Cabinet has always viewed their Afghan counterparts as brothers and sisters. They have specifically reviewed and acted upon every subject of our discussions, particularly your railway construction department—in this field, you have truly performed heroically. We express our gratitude for their heroism, and it is my hope that you will specifically commend them.
[In Turkmen:] Today, we witnessed the joy of a day of historical significance. May our history be eternal. Long live Turkmenistan-Afghanistan friendship!
Long live the friendship between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan!