BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. Uzbekistan and
Afghanistan discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment,
transport and transit.
This was reflected in the statement by the Fergana Regional
Administration following talks in Kabul between Uzbek Deputy Prime
Minister Jamshid Khodjaev and Afghanistan's Acting Deputy Prime
Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
The meeting focused on broadening bilateral economic cooperation
and accelerating joint projects aimed at strengthening commercial
ties between the two neighboring countries.
Baradar said stronger and more sustainable relations between
Kabul and Tashkent would support not only the economic interests of
both countries but also contribute to regional stability.
Khodjaev said bilateral trade had grown significantly, reaching
$1.6 billion, and reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to deepening
economic engagement with Afghanistan.
"Uzbekistan is ready to accelerate projects launched by Uzbek
investors in Afghanistan, address existing issues and implement new
initiatives aimed at supporting the economic development of both
countries," Khodjaev said.
Members of the Uzbek delegation also expressed readiness to work
closely with Afghan authorities to expand cooperation in transport,
energy, agriculture, banking, trade and broader economic
relations.
The delegation further pledged support for initiatives aimed at
strengthening the professional capacity of Afghan specialists
across various sectors.
Fergana Region Governor Khayrullo Bozorov also participated in
the meeting.
"Further strengthening stable relations between Kabul and
Tashkent will contribute not only to the economic interests of both
countries but also to regional stability," Baradar said.
The talks underscore Uzbekistan's continued efforts to
strengthen economic ties with Afghanistan through trade, investment
and infrastructure cooperation. Tashkent has increasingly promoted
cross-border investment, transport connectivity and energy projects
as part of its broader strategy to integrate Afghanistan into
regional economic networks and facilitate trade between Central and
South Asia.
