On March 5, a meeting titled "Afghanistan-Central Asia Consultative Dialogue" was held in Kabul, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The talks were led by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, with high-level representatives from Afghanistan and Central Asian countries in attendance, including Uzbekistan's Special Representative of the President Ismatulla Irgashev.

This marks the first such meeting held in Kabul since 2021. Previously, dialogues between regional countries and Taliban representatives took place outside Afghanistan—in Astana, Tashkent, and other cities. The current meeting is the first instance where the Afghan side independently organized negotiations of this level on its own territory, signaling a shift in diplomatic engagement.

During the discussions, parties addressed political and economic issues, as well as security challenges. Key threats identified included the threat of ISIS (ISIL), drug trafficking, and cross-border crime. Participants also discussed the development of regional cooperation, trade, and transit, highlighting shared interests in stabilizing the area.

Afghan authorities view this dialogue as an important step toward strengthening ties with Central Asian states. In concluding remarks, Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that Afghanistan has achieved stability and is strengthening its system of governance. He also emphasized that the country's foreign policy is based on principles of balance, economic orientation, good neighborliness, and cooperation, with particular importance placed on relations with Central Asia.

Source: kun.uz