Turkmenistan will construct coronavirus testing labs for Afghanistan northern ports

In a phone conversation with President Ghani, Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow said that the country will construct two coronavirus testing centers in Torghundi and Andkhoy ports of Afghanistan, according to a statement issued today, May 27, by the Afghan presidential palace.

The statement added that Turkmenistan will also disinfect all trucks and freights passing through the two ports transiting commercial goods between the two neighboring countries.

Welcoming the initiative, President Ghani has termed it as a significant step to prevent spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The two presidents have also discussed efforts to expand mutual relations, strengthen regional economic ties, and address transit challenges.

The news comes as Afghanistan is witnessing a daily increase in reported cases of the covid-19 pandemic which is said to be much lower than the actual cases of the disease. For the government’s inability and lack of resources, Afghanistan’s existent medical centers are mostly underequipped and understaffed which make the country more vulnerable against the coronavirus pandemic.