On the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs, Gazeta.uz reports.
The two sides discussed strengthening political and economic ties, the development of railway infrastructure, transit, trade, and electricity supplies. According to Mullah Baradar, trade turnover between the countries has already exceeded $1 billion - 60% more than previous figures. He expressed hope that this figure would reach $2 billion in the near future and called on Uzbekistan to facilitate the export of Afghan goods to Central Asia and Russia.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized that Uzbekistan promotes objective information about the situation in Afghanistan on international platforms, including the United Nations. He reaffirmed the country's readiness to invest in the Afghan economy - particularly in the Mazar-i-Sharif–Herat–Kandahar railway project, the construction of textile and cement factories, salt processing, and digital governance development.
Uzbekistan also expressed readiness to increase electricity supplies to Afghanistan upon the completion of a new 500 kV transmission line. In addition, Mirziyoyev pledged to support the export of Afghan agricultural products, improve banking settlements, simplify visa procedures, and further develop the International Trade Center in Termez.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a joint working group, led by Mullah Baradar and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, which will meet quarterly to monitor the implementation of agreements.
By the end of 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $1.13 billion - a 30.7% increase compared to 2023 - with $1.09 billion accounting for Uzbek exports. From January to May 2025, trade volume rose by 62.8%, reaching $622 million.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 4, 2025