Uzbekistan strengthens transport links with Afghanistan and Pakistan

Against the backdrop of geopolitical transformations in the region, Uzbekistan continues to build a pragmatic and constructive dialogue with neighboring states. Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund in Kabul. The agenda of the talks focused on developing mutually beneficial partnerships and promoting major infrastructure initiatives.

The central place in the discussions was occupied by the Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan railway project, which can radically change the transport architecture of the region. The signing of the framework agreement between the parties was regarded as an important step towards deeper economic integration of Central and South Asia. Given the isolation of the Afghan transport system and limited access to port infrastructure, the implementation of the transit corridor can give Afghanistan a strategically important role as a land bridge between the two sub-regions.

Uzbekistan has indicated its readiness to participate in a comprehensive modernization of the Afghan economy-from the restoration of infrastructure to cooperation in the field of education and energy. Emphasizing the importance of human capital, the head of Uzbek diplomacy expressed support for initiatives to train Afghan youth in educational institutions of Uzbekistan.

In addition to transport logistics, the discussion touched upon areas of expanding humanitarian and trade cooperation. Uzbekistan continues to supply essential products and supports the implementation of bilateral projects in the field of small and medium-sized businesses.

The talks confirmed that Tashkent maintains a stable position in relation to Afghanistan: the emphasis is not on political assessments, but on practical interaction that contributes to the stability and development of the entire macro-regional system.