Uzbek delegation met with Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Mullah Abdul Ghani Bradar on Wednesday, and discussed the economic and political situation of Afghanistan.
The delegation was headed by Uzbekistan’s National Security Council Adviser and Uzbek special envoy for Afghanistan Abdul Aziz Kamlov in Kabul.
The two sides discussed a range of topics including the economy, politics, transit, railway, and electricity projects in Afghanistan, according to statement reports Bakhtar News Agency.
“Afghanistan is trying to maintain good relations with all countries, the neighbors in particular. Strengthening economic ties with Uzbekistan is one the key priorities of the ruling regime,” Deputy PM Baradar, said.
Baradar further added that Afghanistan could be turned into a bridge between South and Central Asian countries, facilitating trade and economic development in the region and beyond. Therefore, expanding trade relations between the countries is of paramount importance at this very moment in time, he said.
The available opportunities should be utilized to boost economic development and bilateral trade relations so that the two countries could become effective economic partners in the region, Baradar added.
For his part, Uzbek diplomat Abdul Aziz Kamlov said his country has continuously supported Afghanistan in international forums and meetings and has strived to protect Afghanistan’s interests in any condition.
“Uzbekistan is ready to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to benefit from the Qosh Tepa Canal, and other economic opportunities in the country,” Kamlov said.
Uzbekistan maintains close ties with the Taliban-run Administration and has continuously dispatched humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan since the return of the Taliban to power. Besides, keeping the country’s Embassy functional in Kabul, Uzbek authorities have frequently met with the Taliban authorities and discussed ways to boost economic development and overcome security challenges.
