The Diplomat has reported that since the Islamic Emirate returned to power, Central Asian countries have sought to expand their ties with Afghanistan.
– According to the publication, while these relations were initially focused mainly on security and economic issues, they have now entered a new phase in which political, transit, and development dimensions are becoming increasingly prominent.
– Enayatullah Hamam, a political analyst, said: “Cooperation with Central Asia is of great importance not only for Afghanistan and the region but also for the Indian subcontinent. However, despite its significance, much of this potential has yet to be fully realized.”
– Meanwhile, an adviser to the President of Uzbekistan said at the first meeting of Central Asian and Afghan think tanks in Kabul that Afghanistan should play an active role in regional cooperation.
– He stressed that Afghanistan should not be viewed merely as a subject of discussion but rather as a partner and participant in regional initiatives.
– Jalol Vakhabov, adviser to the President of Uzbekistan, stated: “I was pleased to share my views at the first Central Asia–Afghanistan Think Tank Forum organized by the Center for Strategic Studies in Kabul. In my remarks, I emphasized that Afghanistan should not be regarded as an issue or a file to be managed, but as an active participant and co-creator of regional cooperation initiatives in Central Asia.”
– Political analyst Najib-ur-Rahman Shamal said he hopes the opportunities created through regional engagement will help address existing challenges and enable Afghanistan to serve as a bridge connecting countries across the region.
– Earlier, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said during the first Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue that the current interactions and cooperation between Afghanistan and Central Asia should be elevated to a stage of deeper and more sustainable integration.
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-199713