Central Asia Monitoring Desk Islamabad
The first consultative dialogue between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan took place in Afghanistan, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation, trade, and transit. The discussions covered political, economic, and security issues, as well.
It is noted that the high-level event held in Kabul was attended by key representatives from the five Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, the dialogue aimed to establish a multilateral political mechanism to facilitate diplomatic coordination, expand economic cooperation and develop regional connectivity.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasized the deep historical, cultural and geographical ties between Afghanistan and the countries of Central Asia. He recalled the region’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, citing examples such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Bukhari and other prominent scholars and thinkers who contributed to the shared legacy of the region.
The head of the foreign ministry also drew attention to Afghanistan’s role in a rapidly changing global context, where geopolitical shifts and regional challenges are transforming the international landscape.
Muttaqi emphasized the need for a joint response from Afghanistan and Central Asian countries to these challenges, especially considering the ongoing security dynamics in Western Asia.
The first consultative dialogue between Afghanistan and Central Asian countries initiates a new phase of regional cooperation, emphasizing economic growth, security and sustainable development. This ongoing engagement aims to foster an integrated and prosperous future for the region.
During the meeting, the sides discussed a joint assessment of the opportunities and challenges in relations between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries, the expansion of economic and transit cooperation, as well as the development of a comprehensive roadmap for regional integration.
The Turkmen delegation was headed by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan Hoja Ovezov. In his speech, H.Ovezov thoroughly informed the participants about the practical actions of the Turkmen side aimed at stimulating the economy of Afghanistan.
The meeting participants supported the continuation of the “Central Asia – Afghanistan” Consultative Dialogue.
Interest was also expressed in close cooperation on the implementation of joint projects related to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the integration of the country into the system of global connections.
Central Asia expert, Mr. Tazeen Akhtar shared that the meeting is a positive development in the best interest of the regions Central Asia and South Asia for their connectivity.
Afghanistan is central in this connection with its geography of connectivity as well as the projects of cooperation between the two regions including CASA-1000, TAPI and Trilateral Train with their destination Pakistan and beyond.
He said, the meeting is expression of CARs for recognition of Kabul administration that helps Afghanistan to get merged into the mainstream systems of governments in the regions and seek support for the well being of her people who have suffered a lot in last decades.
Mr. Tazeen Akhtar stressed the need to include Pakistan and Azerbaijan in this process. Azerbaijan is not separate from Central Asia but connects it to Caucasus , Turkiye and Europe. Pakistan has reservations on security matters with Afghanistan and recent strikes between the two neighbors have further deepened the differences between two countries.
Inclusion in this process will facilitate contact and dialogue between two countries that can help resolve major issues in the future as restoration of brotherly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are pre-requisit for the completion of the projects mentioned about that contribute a lot in the development of Afghanistan and the two regions.
