.الحمد لله رب العالمین والصلاةُ والسلامُ على رسوله محمد و علی اله و اصحابه اجمعین
:اما بعد
Honorable Ministers and Representatives of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Kazakhstan;
And all esteemed guests and participants;
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Good morning to you all.
I am pleased that today we are witnessing the convening of the first Consultative Dialogue Meeting between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries in the beautiful city of Kabul. This meeting, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and with the participation of high-level representatives from the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, constitutes a multilateral consultative political mechanism aimed at exchanging views and consultations on regional developments, enhancing diplomatic coordination, and exploring practical joint avenues to further expand cooperation between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries—particularly in the areas of economic engagement, trade, transit, and regional connectivity.
Over the past nearly five years, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries—namely the republics of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—have taken tangible and effective steps to further strengthen bilateral relations as well as economic, transit, and regional cooperation. Today, we are witnessing a narrative of opportunity, cooperation, and regional convergence between the two sides. The pragmatic, opportunity-oriented, and cooperation-focused approach of the Central Asian countries toward Afghanistan—emphasizing political engagement and economic and transit cooperation—represents a successful model of mutual trust and collaboration at the regional level.
This meeting will focus on the following core objectives:
- Strengthening political dialogue and diplomatic coordination between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries;
- Identifying new opportunities for cooperation between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries within the framework of a regional, economy-centric approach;
- Exchanging views on regional developments and the role of cooperation in strengthening stability and sustainable development.
We hope that, through the holding of this meeting and through joint efforts, by evaluating all opportunities and challenges concerning relations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries, we will be able to chart a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries in the political, trade, transit, security, and climate change domains for the future of our partnership.
Today, we have gathered at a time when, on one hand, the international system is facing serious challenges and profound questions, and on the other, various misconceptions and contradictory narratives have emerged. While we witness dynamic economic activity across the Asian continent—particularly in the Eurasian region—West Asia continues to grapple with war and its unwelcome security, political, and economic consequences.
In this context, Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries are undoubtedly also affected by these trends. We need to manage our common challenges in a coordinated manner and make effective use of existing capacities to achieve development, prosperity, and regional convergence.
Honorable guests,
The relations between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries are rooted in deep historical, geographical, religious, cultural, and social bonds among the peoples of this region. For centuries, we have lived together as good neighbors in this land, sharing a common identity, common suffering, and a common future.
On one hand, great Islamic figures such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Bukhari, and Imam Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on them) laid the foundations of the flourishing Islamic civilization of this region. On the other, historical and cultural figures such as Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Rudaki, Makhtumquli Faraghi, Amir Ali Sher Nawa’i, and Abu Nasr al-Farabi have enriched our shared history. It is these commonalities that form the very foundation of relations between Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Alhamdulillah, the current narrative between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries is one of opportunity, cooperation, and regional convergence—not one of illusion or confrontation. Together, we can shape a successful model of regional integration and create favorable conditions for the further development of relations in various fields between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries.
Distinguished guests,
The foreign policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is based on the principles of balance and economic centrality, with emphasis on Islamic brotherhood, good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation. The Central Asian countries occupy a special place in this policy. While strengthening bilateral relations, we also emphasize regional cooperation and a region-centric strategy due to the shared opportunities and challenges we face. As a result of this policy, Alhamdulillah, we have today entered into diplomatic relations, dialogues, and constructive engagements with various countries in the region and beyond. The current relations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan with the Central Asian countries—Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan—represent a prominent example of this approach.
Undoubtedly, there are challenges and concerns at the regional level that have negatively affected the desired trends, infrastructure, and economic cooperation between Central Asia and Afghanistan. The security-oriented perspective of some regional actors has created obstacles and challenges in the path of transit and regional cooperation, which undermine the collective interests of the region.
The Afghan government has participated with sincerity and a solution-oriented approach in the ongoing negotiations with Pakistan, currently taking place in the city of Urumqi at the initiative of the People’s Republic of China.
Our position on this matter is very clear. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through understanding, dialogue, and relations based on mutual respect and comprehension. At the same time, it reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity and its people.
Honorable guests,
Afghanistan shares approximately 2,329 kilometers of common land and water borders with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It is necessary for us to cooperate jointly in strengthening the banks of the Amu River and modernizing border markers along this shared frontier. Issues such as the activities of certain destructive elements—including the threats posed by Daesh groups, the smuggling of narcotics especially synthetic drugs), illegal migration, and cross-border organized crime—are among the common concerns of both sides. To this end, the Afghan security entities have taken the necessary measures. Timely actions have been carried out against individuals and elements attempting to undermine the friendly relations between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries. Alhamdulillah, today there are no security problems along our common borders, and we stand ready to enhance cooperation further in these fields.
After nearly half a century of instability, Afghanistan has achieved a genuine Islamic system, real stability, and nationwide security. The foundations of governance are being strengthened day by day. Administrative corruption has been eliminated, and work is underway to simplify government bureaucratic processes and advance digitalization. In accordance with the decree of His Excellency the Supreme Leader (may Allah preserve him), the cultivation and trafficking of narcotics have been banned, and through the comprehensive practical measures of the relevant entities, cultivation has approached zero.
Distinguished participants,
By adopting an economy-centered foreign policy, Afghanistan has created conditions conducive to the growth of trade and the attraction of foreign investment. The stability of the Afghan currency has been maintained, and according to the World Bank’s report, Afghanistan’s economic growth in 2025 stood at 4.3 percent. Of the country’s total foreign trade volume, trade with the Central Asian countries reached approximately 2.7 billion US dollars in 2025—showing a several-fold increase compared to previous years. Nevertheless, the trade balance remains uneven, and greater attention must be paid to this matter. Our shared goal is to increase the trade volume between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries to around USD 10 billion within the next three to four years. Natural resources, energy, e-governance, agriculture, health, telecommunications, infrastructure projects, and logistics facilities are among the other promising areas for investment.
Afghanistan, leveraging its geoeconomic position, is striving to connect Central Asia with South and West Asia—and vice versa. This will constitute a civilizational and cultural connection, as well as one of energy, goods, and human mobility. The implementation of the Afghan Transit project is an important priority for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The legal groundwork for this project has been completed, and we are prepared to begin practical work on its implementation with our Central Asian partners as soon as possible. The transfer of energy from Central Asia to South Asia through the strategic TAPI project, as well as the TAP and CASA-1000 projects, remains another priority. Currently, 25 kilometers of TAPI pipeline laying have been completed on the Herat–Turkmenistan border route, with another 120 kilometers ready for construction. Practical work on the CASA-1000 project has also made significant progress in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The Lapis Lazuli Route via Turkmenistan and the Six-Nation Corridor are also on our agenda.
In addition to further expanding bilateral relations and coordination, it is necessary to work on a shared regional political agenda. Afghanistan is keen to actively participate in regional programs and initiatives—particularly in transport, railway, environmental, and development initiatives of Central Asia. The support of the Central Asian countries for Afghanistan’s observer membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is of great importance, and our participation in the “Green Central Asia” initiative is also highly valued.
Honorable guests,
In conclusion, while once again expressing my gratitude and appreciation for your presence and support in convening this important meeting, I would like to specifically emphasize the following proposals:
First: Since the Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue initiative has been designed as a multilateral political mechanism at the level of high-ranking officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries, we propose that this initiative be strengthened and held on a regular basis.
Second: We propose that a research conference of Afghan and Central Asian experts be organized at an appropriate time, so that these researchers may develop a roadmap for practical cooperation between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries based on the consultations, views, and proposals of today’s meeting.
Third: We believe that, within the framework of this cooperation roadmap and taking into account our shared security challenges and concerns, discussions and exchanges of views should be held on a common security approach between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries.
Fourth: In light of the joint regional economic projects, a coordinated and common approach to trade and transit cooperation between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries should also be incorporated into the cooperation roadmap.
Fifth: Since both Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries are affected by climate change, it would be appropriate for us to make joint efforts—within the framework of this initiative and the cooperation roadmap—to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Thank you for your attention.
