KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday met with his Turkmenistan counterpart, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and with various ministers from both countries witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements ranging from education through to energy supply.

At least five accords were inked at an event at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, which was attended by high-raking government officials from both countries.

Addressing a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, Ghani said that he and Berdimuhamedow also discussed numerous issues relating to trade, transit and economic development as well as security issues.

Ghani was clear in his speech that Afghanistan considers Turkmenistan a "brotherly" neighbor.

He went on to announce that Berdimuhamedow had agreed his country will increase electricity supply to Afghanistan five-fold. In addition, Ghani said that the issue of electricity from Afghanistan to Pakistan was also discussed.

On the issue of transport links, Ghani said that the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway line is expected to be complete by February next year. This was a key project for the three countries and when complete will boast an overall length of 400km.

The TAT railway will cost an estimated $1.5 to 2 billion USD and is being developed as part of the Central Asia Regional Cooperation Program. It is primarily financed by the Asian Development Bank, which has allocated $350 million to Afghanistan for its section.

Considered an essential trade route, this will go towards further cementing trade between the two countries. Ghani said at the press conference that already, Afghanistan imports over $1 billion USD worth of goods from Turkmenistan annually.

In line with this, he said both countries encourage fundamental cooperation between stakeholders in region.

Berdimuhamedow in turn commented on the day's discussions and said they had been fruitful and good results had emerged.

He said Turkmenistan is committed to promises it has made and his country's aim is to further improve cooperation between both countries.

According to him, talks were also held regarding regional security issues and he said together with Afghanistan, his country will fight drug smuggling and terrorism.

He emphasized that Turkmenistan was "committed to helping Afghanistan secure peace and stability" and that his country was ready to assist in negotiations if needed – "as an impartial country", he added.

Berdimuhamedow also stated that they are ready to help implement the gas pipeline project as well as the railway link.

In conclusion he said that he sees both countries as "friends and brothers" and that he is committed to cooperating with Afghanistan. (Tolonews)