Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammadov and his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain held the discussion in Turkey’s Canakkale city.

They attended the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Canakkale Battle on Apr.24.

TAPI project is the bright example proving that the sides are focused on the long-term cooperation, said the message. “Implementation of this project will make a significant contribution to the sustainable socio-economic development of the Asian countries.”

During the meeting, the Pakistani side expressed continuous interest in the practical implementation of this large-scale project in the shortest possible time, according to the message from Turkmen government.

The two countries are interested in the implementation of the project for construction of TAPI gas pipeline with the capacity of up to 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

An agreement on the sale and purchase of Turkmen gas was signed with State Gas Systems of Pakistan in May 2012.

The total length of the gas pipeline will be 1,735 kilometers; 200 kilometers of this pipeline will run through Turkmenistan, 735 kilometers – through Afghanistan, 800 kilometers – through Pakistan to the Fazilka settlement on the Pakistani-Indian border.

Currently, TAPI is the most advanced project among the other alternatives and its construction can start in 2015.

Currently, all the countries involved in the project should choose the company which will become the leader of the consortium, able to seek financial resources, sign a long term contract and purchase a considerable share in the already established TAPI Ltd.

TAPI Ltd. operating company includes Turkmengaz State Concern, Afghan Gas Corporation, Pakistan’s "Inter State Gas Systems (Private) Limited" and Indian "GAIL (India) Limited" with equal shares.

This ambitious project is promoted by the Asian Development Bank, the transaction advisor for TAPI.

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