Turkmen Ambassador, Austrian Envoy Discuss TAPI and TAP Projects

Turkmen Ambassador to Pakistan Atajan Movlamov met on August 11, 2025, in Islamabad with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Wolfgang Oliver Kutscher. During the meeting, the parties held detailed discussions on key international energy initiatives — the TAPI natural gas pipeline (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India) and the TAP power transmission line (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan). According to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan, both sides emphasized the strategic importance of these projects in diversifying Turkmenistan’s export routes and strengthening regional energy security. The diplomats exchanged views on the current regional situation and reviewed the main priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of neutrality, good-neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Turkmen side emphasized its commitment to active participation in multilateral cooperation aimed at fostering greater understanding and trust among regional states. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed interest in developing a regular diplomatic dialogue and strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Austria. The TAPI pipeline is a major transnational project spanning approximately 1,800 kilometers, with about 200 kilometers running through Turkmenistan, 773 kilometers through Afghanistan, and 827 kilometers through Pakistan. Its maximum annual capacity is 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The TAP power transmission lines, a complementary project to the TAPI pipeline, support the region’s energy infrastructure by ensuring reliable electricity supply across neighboring countries.