Official Statement of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
“Termez Dialogue”
Termez – The Republic of Uzbekistan
19-22 May 2025
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Your Excellency, Bahram Jan Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
Honorable Eldar Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the Presidency of Uzbekistan;
Honorable representatives of Central and South Asian countries,
Respected Representatives of international organizations and economic institutions,
السلام علیکم و رحمة الله و برکاته!
It is an honor to attend this important and valuable gathering today, representing the people and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our friendly, brotherly, and neighboring country, the Republic of Uzbekistan, for its constructive initiative of hosting this regional dialogue titled “Creating a Common Space of Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity.”
Today, we live in a region where, alongside challenges, there is a vast potential for cooperation, connectivity, and economic development. Afghanistan, as the Heart of Asia and a natural bridge between Central and South Asia, has always sought to play an active and positive role in regional and international processes. We believe that regional cooperation will be, and is beneficial not only for our nations but also global peace and stability.
Over the recent years, the relations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan have witnessed significant and unprecedented expansion in various domains. Considering the historical, cultural, and geographical similarities, the two countries have implemented numerous joint projects in infrastructure, energy, transit, and agriculture sectors. Among these projects is the construction of the Afghan-Trans railway line, which will play a key role in connecting Central Asia to South Asia.
Also, the 500 kV power transmission project from Surkhandarya province to Pul-e-Khumri will significantly increase the capacity of Afghanistan in terms of access to energy. The two countries have launched projects for the joint cultivation of agricultural products using modern technologies. Moreover, the two countries have signed agreements worth USD 2.5 billion in the energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors. This cooperation exhibits the shared commitment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan to sustainable development, bolstering regional stability, and utilizing common capacities for the welfare of the peoples of the two countries.
The balanced foreign policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is based on economic principles, regional cooperation, and mutual respect. We reiterate that the Afghan soil will not be used against any other country, and we expect the same from others. We are willing to utilize Afghanistan as a platform for connectivity, transit, trade, and cultural cooperation. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stands ready to actively contribute to all regional initiatives, including infrastructure projects, transportation, energy transfer, trade, education, climate change, and sustainable development. We continue to call for balanced development across the region and believe that dialogue, understanding, and confidence-building are the basis of any common progress.
We call upon the international community, regional countries, international organizations, and financial institutions to see Afghanistan as a reliable partner and to cooperate effectively for sustainable development, investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and elevation of the economic welfare of the Afghan people.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan decisively supports the convening of this meeting, held in light of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia. We consider this meeting an important opportunity for exchanging views, mutual understanding, and establishing pragmatic cooperation between nations.
Finally, I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude to our brothers in the Republic of Uzbekistan for organizing this valuable gathering. We hope that this dialogue will result in paving the way for a bright future for our region.
Thank you.
