The passage discusses Turkmenistan’s desire to construct the TAPI natural gas pipeline, which aims to transport Turkmen gas to South Asian markets. However, the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan raises concerns due to their exclusionary policies and connections with militant groups like al-Qaeda. Internal power struggles within the Taliban further complicate the situation, with indications that Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani seeks control over the Afghan section of the TAPI pipeline.
Despite these challenges, officials from Pakistan and Turkmenistan have signed an agreement to expedite the implementation of the TAPI project. However, details regarding funding and timelines remain unclear, with vague cost estimates provided by the media. Pakistan has proposed exploring additional gas transit infrastructure to connect TAPI with the Gwadar port, potentially enabling the shipment of liquefied Turkmen gas to global markets. However, concerns arise over the involvement of self-proclaimed Islamic militants in such trade, which could deter European customers.
The passage also mentions Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to Turkmenistan, where talks revolve around potential infrastructure projects for Turkmen gas transportation to Europe. However, specific details regarding these projects are not provided. Turkmenistan has expressed interest in exploring hydrogen production technology, aligning with Hungary’s focus on expanding domestic hydrogen production and storage.
Additionally, the passage highlights Turkmenistan’s negative reputation in areas such as forced labor in the cotton industry, environmental concerns related to methane emissions, and poor agricultural practices leading to water scarcity and reduced crop yields. Turkmenistan has also emphasized its anti-smoking stance, particularly targeting the illegal importation of tobacco products.
Overall, the passage presents a complex and challenging environment for Turkmenistan, with various factors impacting its ambitions and reputation.
