Afghanistan to send first cargo to Europe through Lapis Lazuli route

The route begins in Aqina and Turghundi ports in the Afghan provinces of Faryab and Herat and crosses Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. It involves road, rail, and maritime transport.
Afghan Foreign Ministry said that two experimental shipments would leave Aqina and Turghundi ports for Europe.
Hasan Surosh, head of Department of Economic Cooperation at Foreign Ministry, said that execution plan for the Lapis Lazuli route would be finalized with the concerned countries in the next two weeks.
He said that two agreements would also be signed on visa and railway with the countries.
The Lapis Lazuli Route Agreement was signed late last year in Turkmenistan.
Afghanistan expects to export products like saffron, carpet and medicinal plants to Europe through the route.
Abdul Qadir Bahman, CEO of Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce, said that trade via Lapis Lazuli route is safer than through Pakistan and Iran. He said that transport cost would also be less.