Afghanistan and Turkmenistan share a 755 km (469 mi) border in Central Asia. Diplomatic relations were formally established on 28 January 1992 following Turkmenistan’s independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Both countries maintain embassies in each other’s capitals: Afghanistan’s embassy is located in Ashgabat, while Turkmenistan’s embassy operates in Kabul.
Historical background
Prior to 1991, the area of present‑day Turkmenistan was part of the Soviet Union, and diplomatic contacts with Afghanistan were conducted through Soviet channels. After Turkmenistan became a sovereign state, bilateral engagements expanded to include political, economic, and security dimensions.
Political relations
The two governments have engaged in regular high‑level visits and have signed a series of bilateral agreements covering trade, transportation, energy, and border management. Cooperation is coordinated within regional frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Economic and trade ties
Trade between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan is modest but strategically significant, especially in the areas of:
- Energy: Turkmenistan supplies natural gas to Afghanistan via pipeline projects, including the Turkmen‑Afghan Gas Pipeline that began operations in 2021, delivering gas to the Afghan capital and other locations.
- Transport: The two countries have worked on improving road and rail links to facilitate the movement of goods, with the Afghan‑Turkmen border crossings at Torghundi and Islam Qala serving as key trade points.
- Agriculture and industry: Afghanistan imports Turkmen wheat, cotton, and other agricultural products, while it exports textiles and other manufactured goods to Turkmenistan.
Security and border management
Both nations cooperate on border security to combat illicit trafficking, including narcotics, weapons, and human smuggling. Joint commissions meet periodically to address border incidents and to improve customs procedures.
Water resources
The Amu Darya river forms part of the shared border. Water management and irrigation projects are subjects of bilateral discussion, though no comprehensive treaty governing water allocation has been publicly detailed.
Recent developments
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Turkmenistan has sought to maintain functional relations, focusing on humanitarian assistance, energy supply continuity, and the safety of Turkmen nationals in Afghanistan. The Turkmen government has also expressed interest in supporting reconstruction projects, particularly in the transport sector.
Challenges
Ongoing security instability in Afghanistan, limited international recognition of the Taliban government, and logistical constraints across the rugged border region pose challenges to deepening economic integration and consistent diplomatic engagement.
Overall, Afghanistan–Turkmenistan relations are characterized by pragmatic cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as energy, trade, and border security, while being influenced by the broader geopolitical and security context of the region.
