KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 20 (UPI) — The Afghan government said it’s closer to finalizing a deal with a consortium of energy companies that could pave the way for gas exploration and production. A consortium of Turkish and Afghan energy companies reached a preliminary agreement with the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum to review the potential for natural gas work in the northwestern provinces of Faryab and Jawzjan. Click here to read more (external link).