The «Taliban» is interested in the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline and other major infrastructure projects in the country, Mohammad Sohail Shahin, spokesman for the movement's Qatari political office, told to Sky News on Tuesday.

 “We also have other major projects in our country.  These are the TAPI gas pipeline, railway construction projects and others.  Our political wing hopes that the work on their implementation will begin”, he said.

 Shahin also noted that the Taliban was interested in developing business in the country, developing its natural resources and attracting investors to create jobs and economic development.

 After the withdrawal of the bulk of the western military contingent from Afghanistan, the Taliban quickly established control over almost the entire country.  On August 15, Kabul was taken without a fight.

 Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he resigned to prevent bloodshed and left the country. Western countries are evacuating their citizens and embassy staff.

 Recall that on August 6, the Presidents of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan at the Consultative meeting in Avaza, discussed the situation in Afghanistan and emphasized the early settlement of it as one of the most important factors in maintaining and strengthening security and stability in Central Asia.

 This provision was enshrined in a separate paragraph of the Joint Statement following the Consultative Meeting.  According to the document, the heads of the five countries of the region stated readiness to render all possible assistance to the achievement of civil peace and harmony in Afghan society.

 «The states of Central Asia also support the efforts of all countries and international organizations seeking to promote security and stability in Afghanistan, the restoration of the socio-economic infrastructure of this country and its involvement in world economic relations,»  the Joint Statement said.

 In early February this year, a meeting with representatives of the Taliban movement was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.  After the talks, Mohammad Suhail Shahin announced his full support for the implementation of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan initiated by Turkmenistan, including the TAPI gas pipeline, TAP power lines and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan railway.

 At the same time, he mentioned that the early start of the construction of these projects would contribute to the achievement of prosperity and economic development in Afghanistan.