Foreign Minister Engages with Special Representative of Uzbekistan President

Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Mottaqi convened a meeting with Ilham Makhkov, the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Ismatullah Ergashov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and their respective delegations, said Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal the deputy spokesman of the foreign ministry.

The discussions held during this meeting encompassed a range of topics, including bilateral political and economic relations, regional connectivity transit projects, trade, joint investments, cultural exchanges, and the significant role of both Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in the region.

Commencing the dialogue, Minister Mottaqi expressed gratitude for Uzbekistan’s supportive role in political and economic matters and emphasized the importance of sustaining and advancing these collaborative efforts. He highlighted that Afghanistan, after a prolonged period, has regained a path of peace and stability, presenting a favorable opportunity for Uzbekistan, neighboring countries, and the wider region to benefit from the economy-driven regional connectivity policy of the Islamic Emirate. This policy aims not only to support economic and security stability in Afghanistan but also to expedite the implementation of major economic projects throughout the neighboring regions.

Minister Ilham Makhkov, the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, conveyed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their warm reception and the meticulous preparations made for the visit. He indicated that his delegation, comprising a proficient technical team with expertise in railways, geology, and mining, has arrived in Kabul with a positive announcement for the Afghan people.

In his address, Mr. Makhkov assured that the President and leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan hold a deep commitment to Afghanistan. On their behalf, he expressed support for the Islamic Emirate’s policy of transforming Afghanistan into a regional transit hub. He further disclosed that his team of engineers is prepared to commence practical assessments and feasibility studies for the Afghan-Trans project. Moreover, another delegation with appropriate equipment, including representatives from Afghan railways and relevant agencies, will soon arrive in Afghanistan to initiate practical work.

Furthermore, discussions are underway between a separate team specializing in geology and minerals and officials from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan. The purpose of these meetings is to explore opportunities for oil and gas exploration and extraction, as well as other areas of interest identified by the relevant institutions of the Islamic Emirate. Mr. Makhkov emphasized their readiness to collaborate, stating their commitment to providing round-the-clock customs and border services between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. In an effort to enhance transport and transit services, the transport and transit tariffs have been reduced between the two nations.

Minister Mottaqi expressed gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan and the entire team for their goodwill and sincere efforts to strengthen economic and political relations. He acknowledged the progress made in facilitating visa issuance for Afghan businessmen and workers in the transportation sector, suggesting that this facilitation should extend to health, education, and ultimately tourism visas for ordinary Afghan citizens.

Mr. Ismatullah Ergashov, the Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan, extended condolences to the Afghan people in light of the recent floods, affirming Uzbekistan’s readiness to provide assistance as a Muslim brother and neighbor. He emphasized the importance of not sacrificing economic prosperity for political considerations and discredited any voices that discourage economic cooperation among Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and neighboring countries.

Regarding visas, Mr. Ergashov informed that the distribution of visas to Afghan drivers and traders has already commenced, with plans to introduce long-term visas, as well as educational, medical, and eventually pilgrimage (tourist) visas for Afghan citizens. He also shared that a technical team will soon visit Kabul to purchase over one million tons of coal from Afghanistan, while engineers will initiate construction work on the Imam Al-Bukhari Madrasah in Mazar-e-Sharif. Furthermore, Uzbekistan stands prepared to collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan in the restoration and renovation of historical sites and shrines.