The IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr. Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, in Kabul.
The meeting centered on bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, as well as economic cooperation, trade, and transit.
At the outset, Mr. Aripov said that the President of Uzbekistan stresses the importance of strengthening ties with Afghanistan, as evidenced by the presence of the high-level delegation.
Mr. Aripov expressed his intention to upgrade diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, indicating that Uzbekistan may soon accept an ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Subsequently, Uzbekistan will commence issuing visas to Afghan businessmen, students, and patients, stressing that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan should utilise the potential capacities for the shared interests of the two countries.
Later, welcoming the positive stance of the President of Uzbekistan in international forums, FM Muttaqi expressed hope for enhanced political cooperation between the two countries.
FM Muttaqi expressed Afghanistan’s interest in reestablishing its participation in regional organizations, highlighting the numerous opportunities for cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in the areas of trade, energy, and transport, emphasizing the need to utilise them for mutual interests.
Minister Muttaqi underlined the significance of the Trans-Afghan Railway project, noting that it would serve as critical corridor connecting Central and South Asia.
FM Muttaqi said that easy visa process for businessmen could substantially increase bilateral trade between the two nations.
In the end, FM Muttaqi stated that enhancing diplomatic relations would initiate a new phase of bilateral cooperation and development.
13/September/2024
