Afghan President Arrives In Tajikistan For CASA-1000 Inauguration

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in Tajikistan on May 10 for a two-day visit, with the CASA-1000 power project expected to be officially launched during his trip.

The $1.17 billion CASA-1000 power project is expected to be inaugurated in Dushanbe by officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan on May 11. It aims to export electricity from hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A statement by the president's office said Ghani would meet with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and senior officials to expand ties with between the two neighbors.

The two leaders are expected to sign a number of agreements, including trade deals.

Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister of Energy and Water Ali Ahmad Osmani, Attorney General Farid Hamidi, and the chief of the national electricity company are accompanying Ghani during his visit.

Ghani is also expected to speak at the National University of Tajikistan.

Based on reporting by Tolonews and Khaama