Uzbekistan and Afghanistan discussed issues such as the construction of the Koshtepa canal, bilateral trade, transport issues and women's rights, the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported.
Negotiations were held between the Special Representative of Uzbekistan for Foreign Policy Abdulaziz Kamil and the Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul.
The parties discussed trade and economic ties between the two countries, an increase in traffic volumes and women's rights. Particular attention was paid to issues of cooperation in the water and energy sector.
Afghanistan expressed its readiness to build the Koshtepa canal from the Amu Darya River "on the basis of mutual understanding with Uzbekistan." Uzbekistan, in turn, will work alongside Afghan technical teams to improve construction efficiency along with other infrastructure projects.
The meeting noted the right of Afghanistan to water from the Amu Darya River "in accordance with international standards and with full regard for the privileges and rights of Afghanistan." Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Baradar assured the Uzbek side that the completion of the Koshtepa canal project will strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The project is called "vital" in the message.
The parties separately considered the implementation of important transport and energy projects, in particular, the construction of the Termez - Mazar-i-Sharif - Kabul - Peshawar railway, and the laying of a power line along the Surkhan - Puli Khumri route.
The parties stressed the need for an early transition to the practical phase of work and confirmed their readiness to continue a constructive dialogue on all issues on the bilateral agenda.
The parties also noted the need to respect and protect women's rights, ensure girls' access to education in Afghanistan, and train Afghan personnel at the Educational Center in Termez.
Earlier, Uzbekistan and the United States discussed the future of Afghanistan.
Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan spoke about the new government of Afghanistan and explained why Uzbekistan maintains contact with Afghanistan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 23, 2023