Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Discuss Regional Developments and Cooperation

As part of ongoing efforts to expand regional engagement, Abdulhai Qanit, Director General of the Third Political Department and Head of the Strategic Studies Center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met with the Deputy Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan and his accompanying delegation. The meeting reportedly focused on strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between Kabul and Tashkent.

According to Qanit, in addition to bilateral relations, the two sides exchanged views on their respective foreign policies and current regional developments.

Qanit said, “Alongside bilateral discussions between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the government of Uzbekistan, views were exchanged on ongoing regional issues, whether political or economic.”

In recent years, Uzbekistan has adopted a pragmatic approach toward Afghanistan, seeking to maintain political communication channels with Kabul.

Tashkent has repeatedly emphasized the importance of stability in Afghanistan for regional security and has described dialogue as the primary means of resolving differences.

Some political analysts believe that strengthening political ties with neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, could help Afghanistan play a more active role in regional frameworks and reduce its political isolation.

Political analyst Kamran Aman said, “The relationship between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan is very important for the Afghan people under current circumstances. Despite isolation, this route remains the country’s main channel for economic and political engagement with Central Asia and Europe.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Military Chief of the Border Police at the Ministry of Interior also met with the head of Uzbekistan’s security service and his delegation. The discussions focused on facilitating cross-border travel, developing a joint market, and enhancing cooperation to prevent drug trafficking.

Abidullah Farooqi, spokesperson for the Border Police, stated, “In this meeting, discussions were held on providing necessary facilities for travelers in border areas of both countries, creating better conditions for traders in the joint market, and strengthening cooperation to prevent various forms of smuggling.”

Earlier, the spokesperson for Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also stated that his country places special importance on expanding comprehensive relations with Afghanistan, based on the principles of good neighborliness and mutual interests.